Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui Claims Settlement Bill
This bill settles long-standing Treaty of Waitangi claims made by the hapū (subtribes) of the Whanganui iwi (tribe) against the Crown. The Crown formally apologises for historical wrongs, including land taken unfairly, laws that fragmented Māori land ownership, and mistreatment of people at Parihaka. In return, the Crown transfers land and properties back to the hapū, gives them a say in managing certain areas, and officially recognises their connection to parts of their rohe (home territory).
What this affects
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The bill formally settles Treaty of Waitangi grievances for the hapū of the Whanganui iwi, with the Crown apologising for historical wrongs and transferring land and resources back to them.
The Crown acknowledges that it established a relationship with tūpuna of Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui at the signing of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi in Whanganui in May 1840, but despite the promise of te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi, many Crown actions since have created long-standing grievances for Ngā Hapū o Te Iwi o Whanganui.
Clause 17 settles the historical claims and provides that the settlement is final. It removes the jurisdiction of courts, tribunals, and other judicial bodies in respect of the historical claims.
Progress through Parliament
Have your say
This bill is open for public submissions to the Maori Affairs Committee. Anyone can tell the committee what they think, and you don’t need to be an expert. Submissions close 10 June 2026.
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.