The Waitangi Tribunal is a specialist commission of inquiry that will rigorously test the claims brought before it. In due course it will issue its findings into the claims. It is expected this process will take at least a year. Following the findings, Maori and the Crown will be in a better position to negotiate a settlement and redress package that resolves Maori grievances.
The general community may feel some apprehension and uncertainty about the treaty settlement process. The majority do want to see these grievances settled, believe in fairness and want to look to positive future development. We need patience, tolerance, vision, generosity, statesmanship and more to successfully deal with these issues so that we leave a better legacy for our children. There is a danger of polarising views to such an extent that racism and conflict emerge. Community leaders have a responsibility to manage this situation for the benefit of all who live in Aotearoa. As a result of the other treaty settlements, such as Ngai Tahu and Waikato, there is a growing appreciation in the community, that Maori and Pakeha alike can look forward to the social and economic benefits that treaty settlements bring to a region. New business and employment opportunities and a reduction in negative social statistics are likely. The benefits derived from Maori ownership of resources such as land, forests and fisheries are likely to remain in the Hauraki region for the long-term benefit of all citizens.
Hauraki Maori Trust Board
The Hauraki Maori Trust Board was established by Act of Parliament in 1988. (This is reproduced as Appendix 1.) This followed a period of at least three years when the people of Hauraki attended numerous hui at Harataunga, Manaia, Thames, Paeroa,Tirohia, Te Aroha and Whakatiwai to discuss the merits of establishing an iwi authority in the region. At the time the Maori Trust Boards Act 1955 seemed the most suitable mechanism to use to set up the governing body. In recent years this legislation has been reviewed and changes are proposed which will enable greater flexibility in the type of organisational structure available to Maori.
Section 4 of the Hauraki Maori Trust Board Act 1988 provides that the descendants of the following tribes are the beneficiaries of the Board: Ngati Maru, Ngati Paoa, Ngati Tamatera, Ngati Whanaunga, Ngati Hako, Ngati Hei, Patukirikiri, Ngai Tai, Ngati Tara Tokanui, Ngati Rahiri Tumutumu, Ngati Porou ki Harataunga ki Mataora and Ngati Pukenga ki Waiau. The general location of these iwi c. 1840 is shown on map II.
A register of tribal members is kept at the Board's office in Paeroa and is regularly updated. Those aged 18 years and over are eligible to vote for their tribal representative every three years. The 12 representatives form the governing body. They meet regularly throughout the year usually on a six-weekly basis. Day to day business is managed by a Chief Executive and other staff.
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