In certain circumstances the Waitangi Tribunal may decide to urgently inquire into a claim, a group of claims, or part of a claim.

The criteria the Tribunal applies

In considering whether to grant urgency to an application for a remedies hearing, the Tribunal has regard to a number of factors. Of particular importance is whether:

  • the claimants can demonstrate that they are suffering, or are likely to suffer, significant and irreversible prejudice if a remedies hearing is not urgently convened;
  • there is no alternative remedy that, in the circumstances, it would be reasonable for the claimants to exercise; and
  • the claimants can demonstrate that they are ready to proceed urgently to hearing.

Find out more in the Tribunal’s Guide to Practice and Procedure [PDF, 900 KB]