TE AWAITI

CREATED 21 September 1896

AREA   Te Awaiti i - 14,093 acres Te Awaiti 2 - 3,000 acres Te Awaiti 3 - 150 acres Te Awaiti 4 - 60o acres Te Awaiti 5- 500 acres Te Awaiti 6 - 150 acres Te Awaiti 7 - 150 acres

PLAN   Hamilton Maori Land plan 6547

Investigation of Title

In March 1893 Haora Tareranui sought the Crown's assistance to advance the cost of the survey of the Awaiti block.' No action was taken on this request.

The survey of Te Awaiti was completed by CH Purchas in June 1894? He had undertaken the survey for Paora Tiunga, Pakara Te Paoro and others. The boundaries had been pointed out by Wi.

The Court investigated title to the block at Ohinemuri in October 1894. Ngati Hako claimed the block, and there were counter claims by Ngati Tamatera, Ngati Taharua (for the north eastern portion only), and Ngati Koi (for the central portion on the eastern side). In its judgement the Court awarded the block to Ngati Hako, but recognised that Ngati Tamatera had a valid claim which entitled them to "substantial recognition". Ngati Taharua were entitled to be included in Ngati Hako's list, because of the apparent lack of distinction between the two parties and the apparent joint occupation of Waihou West and Awaiti. Based on this decision the Court awarded Haora Tareranui and Ngati Tamatera 2500 acres at the south end of the block, with the balance to go to the joint Ngati Hako and Ngati Taharua list of names.3

A rehearing was heard in September 1896. The point at issue was the rejection by Ngati Hako of Ngati Tamatera's right to a portion of the block. The Court decided that Ngati Tamatera's lands extended northwards from the lands to the south of Awaiti (Wharekahu etc), and that part of Awaiti therefore should be awarded to them. But it held that the lower Court had awarded too much land to Ngati Tamatera, as the portion awarded had included some of Ngati Hako's kaingas and burial grounds. It awarded Ngati Tamatera 1400 acres, at the

1 Haora Tareranui, Paeroa, to Chief Land Purchase Officer, 22 March 1893. Maori Affairs Head Office file MLP 1905/39. Supporting Papers #13154.1-2.

2 Hamilton Maori Land plan 6547. Supporting Papers #N219.

3 Hauraki Minute Book 36 page 204. Supporting Papers #J42.17.

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