Te Urewera Introduction

The Urewera tribunal was appointed in early 2002.  The members are Judge Pat Savage (presiding), Dr Ann Parsonson (historian), Joe Northover (kaumātua), and Joanne Morris (lawyer).

The Urewera tribunal held eleven hearings of claimant evidence between November 2003 and February 2005. They were held at Waimana, Waiohau, Ruatahuna, Murupara, Te Whaiti, Waikaremoana, Rangiahua, Ruatoki and Maungapohatu. The tribunal heard Crown evidence at Taneatua in March and April 2005. It heard closing submissions by claimant and Crown counsel at Ruatoki in June 2005.

Most of the 33 claims are from Ngāi Tūhoe.  Other claimants include Ngāti Whare, Ngāti Manawa, Ngāti Ruapani, Ngāti Haka Patuheuheu and Ngāti Kahungunu.

The Tribunal is now in the process of writing its report on these claims. It expects to complete it report in 2007.