National Park Introduction

The National Park inquiry, presided over by Deputy Chief Judge Wilson Isaac, encompasses some 40 individual Wai-numbered claims brought by Tuwharetoa, Ngati Hikairo, Ngati Rangi, Ngati Haua, and a number of other iwi and hapu. It covers an area from just south of Turangi to just north of Ohakune, and from the main trunk line in the west to State Highway One in the east. This area encompasses most of Tongariro National Park, including the mountains Tongariro, Ruapehu, and Ngauruhoe. It is a standard new approach inquiry.

Main issues in the inquiry include:

• the alleged 'gifting' of the mountain peaks by Tuwharetoa paramount chief Te Heuheu Tukino in 1887;
• the operations of the Native Land Court in the district;
• the taking of land for public works in the twentieth century; and
• the Tongariro power development scheme.

The research casebook and interlocutory stages of the National Park inquiry were completed in 2005, at which time the Tribunal released its draft statement of issues, which identified the main areas to be covered by the inquiry. Between February 2006 and February 2007, the Tribunal held seven weeks of evidentiary hearings. The closings hearing for the National Park Tribunal was held from 9 to 13 July of 2007.

The inquiry is at present in its report-writing phase, with the National Park Tribunal indicating it will endeavour to have a comprehensive report completed in the first half of 2010.