Inquiry Progress

Research Casebook Closure

The Rohe Pōtae district inquiry research casebook closed on 31 August 2011.

Interlocutory Stage

The inquiry is now in the interlocutory phase in which the Tribunal, the claimants and the Crown identify and refine claim issues to be heard by the Tribunal at the hearing stage.

Three major milestones of the interlocutory phase have been acheived: the filing of Final Amended Statements of Claim, the Claimant Statement of Issues and the Crown Statement of Position and Concessions. The Tribunal is now in the process of preparing its Statement of Issues.

According to Judge Ambler's memorandum-directions of 26 April 2012, (doc Wai 898, #2.5.120), hearings are scheduled to begin in February 2013.

Key upcoming dates:

Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho o Te Rohe Pōtae

In mid-2009 Judge Ambler released a discussion paper to parties regarding the presentation of oral traditions.  This paper discussed whether the Tribunal process could accommodate traditional and oral evidence in a more appropriate manner and in an earlier timeframe than had been the case in previous Tribunal inquiries.  Judge Ambler wished for a more dynamic forum which was sympathetic to the tikanga of oral traditions.

Following kōrero at judicial conferences and submissions from claimants and counsel, the ‘Ngā Kōrero Tuku Iho’ hui process was established.  This was a series of six hui to hear oral traditions from hapū and iwi groups from across the Rohe Pōtae inquiry district. The first five hui spanned two days each. The sixth and final hui sat for three days. Hui were held on marae between March and June 2010. Each of the six hui brought together the tāngata whenua of a particular part of the district to present oral traditions which have been passed down about tribal identity, relations to the land and historical events.

Photograph by Leanne Boutlon - Marokopa Awa, April 2010