District inquiries
Much of the Waitangi Tribunal’s focus over the past two decades has been on completing the district inquiry programme. The programme is designed to hear the range of claims (mostly historical) brought by Māori from particular areas in a single inquiry. There are 37 inquiry districts in total. The Tribunal has now completed its inquiry into majority of districts. Some districts, however, have not had an inquiry due to the claimants choosing to negotiate a Treaty settlement directly with the Crown. The progress of district inquiries can be seen in this map.
Download full size map [JPG, 604 KB]
In 2001, the Waitangi Tribunal adopted a procedure for district inquiries known as the New Approach, which aimed to achieve the fastest possible progress, while making sure the process is fair:
- All issues are researched
- Interlocutory phase is held where the issues are identified and refined
- Hearing of the identified issues and grievances
- Tribunal report released to assist negotiation and settlement
Find out more about the New Approach inquiry process [PDF, 586 KB]
The following district inquiries are currently active:
- Te Paparahi o Te Raki (Northland) (Wai 1040)
- Taihape (Wai 2180)
- Porirua ki Manawatu (Wai 2200)
District inquiries currently at the report writing stage are:
- Te Rohe Potae (Wai 898)
Search for district inquiry reports (external link)
See the documents for current inquiries (external link)
Contact us to ask about the status of a claim
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