Photo / SuppliedThe mandate process, the first step of an iwi settlement, involves an iwi or hapū group receiving authorisation from members to negotiate on their behalf with the Crown. It could be clusters of hapū forming regional groupings for their own cultural redress and one overarching commercial settlement. One cluster representing four Ngāpuhi hapū groupings secured a mandate with the Crown in July last year – the first for a group of Ngāpuhi hapū. Four days later, hundreds of Ngāpuhi iwi members gathered outside Parliament to oppose the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act. Former Waitangi National Trust board chairmain Pita Tipene speaks following last year's Waitangi Day dawn service.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 03, 2026 23:36 UTC