bill4 May 2026 Non-partisan · AI-drafted, editor-reviewed

Ngāti Hei Claims Settlement Bill

In short: Arapono’s summary

This bill settles historical land grievances between the New Zealand Government (the Crown) and Ngāti Hei, an iwi (Māori tribe) from the Coromandel Peninsula area. The Crown formally apologises for past wrongs, including taking land without fair payment or proper process. As part of the settlement, Ngāti Hei receives ownership of over 20 pieces of land, including islands, scenic reserves, and historic sites. Some land is shared with other iwi. The settlement is final, meaning no further legal claims can be made about these historical issues.

What this affects

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The bill settles all historical Treaty of Waitangi claims by Ngāti Hei against the Crown, transfers land back to the iwi, and includes a formal Crown apology for past wrongs.

From the bill

The historical claims are settled. The settlement of the historical claims is final, and, on and from the settlement date, the Crown is released and discharged from all obligations and liabilities in respect of those claims.

For its actions that harmed Ngāti Hei, and for its breaches of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi and its principles, the Crown unreservedly apologises.

The Crown acknowledges that Ngāti Hei were rendered virtually landless due to the cumulative effect of the Crown's actions and omissions.

Progress through Parliament

Introduced
First Reading
Select committee
Second Reading
Whole House
Third Reading
Royal Assent
Current stage: Committee of the whole House

Have your say

Submissions open once a bill reaches the select committee stage and the committee calls for them. In the meantime, you can write to your local MP about it.

View the official bill on legislation.govt.nz

Bill text sourced from legislation.govt.nz (Parliamentary Counsel Office). Arapono’s summary and breakdown are drafted with AI grounded in that official text and reviewed by an Arapono editor for accuracy and neutrality before publishing. Arapono is non-partisan and takes no position on this bill.