Why did Komiti Nui need a mandate?

Te Komiti Nui had to ensure it had the support of Ngāti Whakaue to negotiate the Treaty Settlement before the Crown would agree to enter into negotiations.

What was the process taken to seek mandate?

Four Mandate hui were held in Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua and Maketu between 18-21 June 2009. At these hui, following robust discussion, attendees resolved:

“That Te Komiti Nui o Ngāti Whakaue is mandated to represent Ngāti Whakaue Hapū/Iwi in negotiations with the Crown, regarding the comprehensive settlement of Ngāti Whakaue historical Treaty of Waitangi claims.”

An official from Te Puni Kōkiri was present at each of the mandate hui as the independent observer. Later, in February 2011, the Crown formally recognised Te Komiti Nui’s mandate, which allowed discussions towards Terms of Negotiation to commence.

What does the mandate allow Te Komiti Nui to do?

Te Komiti Nui’s mandate allows it to negotiate a Draft Deed of Settlement for consideration by Ngāti Whakaue members.

This means that once the deed is negotiated, it will be the role of Ngāti Whakaue members to decide whether:

  • to approve that Ngāti Whakaue historical claims will be settled; and
  • to accept the draft Deed of Settlement and the proposed post settlement governance entity to receive the settlement assets.

For this reason, your participation is very important.