TE WHAKAAETANGA SIGNS TERMS OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE CROWN

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:16:40 GMT

WE ARE NOW AT THE NEGOTIATING TABLE - KUA Ū TE WAKA KI TE ARA WHIRIWHIRI

We are at the Negotiating Table

E ngā uri o Ngā Hapū Te Whakaaetanga, tēnā koutou katoa.

We are pleased to share an important milestone in the journey of our hapū. Te Whakaaetanga has formally signed the Terms of Negotiations with the Crown . This means we are now officially at the negotiating table , advancing our kaupapa under Hapū Rangatiratanga.

This is a significant step forward — one that reflects years of whakaaro, kōrero, research, planning, and commitment from whānau across generations.

A Collective Achievement

This milestone belongs to all of us .

We want to sincerely acknowledge and thank the whānau who have:

participated in hui, wānanga, and kōrero
supported the mandate and direction of the hapū
contributed time, whakaaro, expertise, and encouragement
stood alongside the kaupapa, even when progress felt slow

Your support has strengthened the mandate of Te Whakaaetanga and made it possible to reach this point.

Without whānau engagement, this step would not have been achieved.

What This Means

Signing the Terms of Negotiations confirms that:

the Crown formally recognises Te Whakaaetanga as a negotiating entity
discussions can now move from preparation into formal negotiations

This does not mean outcomes are predetermined, nor does it signal the end of the journey. Rather, it marks the beginning of a new phase.

Looking Ahead

As negotiations progress, Ngā Hapū Te Whakaaetanga will continue to:

keep whānau informed through regular communications
provide opportunities for whānau engagement and feedback

CROWN RECOGNITION OF TE WHAKAAETANGA DEED OF MANDATE

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 22:10:18 GMT

CROWN RECOGNITION OF OUR DEED OF MANDATE

Te Whakaaetanga Trust is humbled to announce that the Crown has now formally recognised our Deed of Mandate to negotiate a Treaty settlement on behalf of our affiliated hapū and whānau.

This recognition marks a significant step forward in our collective journey. We acknowledge and thank the many whānau, hapū, kaumātua, rangatahi and uri who have shaped this kaupapa over many years, in support, in questioning, in wānanga and in mahi.

We also acknowledge that not all views are the same. Some have expressed full support, others concern, and many have asked important questions. All perspectives are respected. Dialogue continues, and we are committed to open, transparent, and inclusive engagement going forward.

What this means:

We can now formally enter Treaty settlement negotiations with the Crown
It strengthens our collective voice to advocate for real redress and future opportunities
It does not end kōrero – it begins a new phase where hapū voices remain central

What happens next:

Hui will be held to kōrero kanohi ki te kanohi
Regular updates will be provided online and through pānui
We invite all with whakapapa, whenua or wairua connection to stay involved

We carry this responsibility with humility and aroha, knowing it is for those to come.

“Ehara tēnei i te mahi māmā, engari he mahi nui mō ngā uri whakatipu. Mā tātou katoa tēnei e kawe – mā te rangimārie, mā te kotahitanga, mā te aroha hoki.”

Ngā manaakitanga,
Te Whakaaetanga Trust

whakaaetanga