National Park Introduction

The National Park inquiry (comprising some 40 individual Wai-numbered claims), presided over by Deputy Chief Judge Wilson Isaac, encompasses 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 are likely to include:

• the alleged 'gift' 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 20th century
• 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 issues to be heard 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 will be held 9-13 July 2007, followed by a comprehensive Tribunal report, addressing all issues for the inquiry.