Our engagement with the Crown has in recent months focussed on demonstrating our customary interests in Matatā over the period 1840 – 1866. The Office of Treaty Settlements (OTS) engaged a leading historian, Merata Kawharu, to write an independent report. The conclusions of this report are that Ngāti Rangitihi most certainly occupied the Matatā/Te Awa o Te Atua area and were actively strengthening their economic and political footprint during this historical period.
We will be meeting with Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little on the 24th of April to discuss the proposed settlement before it goes to Cabinet, ahead of a formal offer being made by the Crown.