What is a Treaty of Waitangi Settlement?

A Treaty of Waitangi settlement is an agreement between the Crown and a claimant group to settle Treaty grievances with the Crown.

  • Historical claims were registered with the Waitangi Tribunal. The Waitangi Tribunal then looks into the claims by Māori relating to Treaty of Waitangi breaches.
  • Should an iwi wish to enter into negotiations with the Crown to settle these claims, they may seek to engage with the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations. Hon Andrew Little is the current Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.
  • The government agency responsible for supporting the Minister is Te Arawhiti – The Office for Māori Crown Relations. Te Arawhiti provides advice on negotiations, directly to the Minister.
  • Ngati Whakaue is pursuing negotiations with the Crown.