Whanganui Introduction

Introduction

The Whanganui lands inquiry, presided over by Judge Carrie Wainwright, encompasses over 50 claims covering an area stretching from the mouth of the Whanganui River to just north of Taumarunui. It also takes in lands around the Whangaehu River and Waiouru in the east and the catchment area of the Waitotara River in the west.

Major issues in the inquiry include the early 'purchase' of Whanganui lands by the New Zealand company, the Native Land Court, and Crown purchasing of Māori land in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the vesting and management of land in the twentieth century, takings for public works and particularly scenery preservation, including the foundation of the Whanganui National Park, the main trunk railway line, the creation and management of native townships, and issues of authority and kaitiakitanga of the environment.

The first block of hearings in the Whanganui lands inquiry took place in the lower reaches of the Whanganui River from August to September 2007. Tangata whenua evidence was presented to the Tribunal, along with expert evidence from technical witnesses. The second block of hearings were held in the central regions of the Whanganui River from March to May 2008. The third block of claimant hearings were held over three weeks from September to November 2008, in and around Taumarunui. The final claimant hearing week was held in March 2009 in Ohakune. Two Crown hearings were held in May 2009. The final Crown hearing will be held on 30 June 2009.

Hearing timetable

Closing Submissions

Hearing dates for closing submissions will be set shortly. It is likely that these will be scheduled as follows:

Generic claimant closings: 4-9 October 2009
Specific claimant closings: 19-23 October 2009
Crown closings: 14-18 December 2009
Claimant replies to Crown closings in writing: February 2010

Please contact the Tribunal’s registrar or the Whanganui inquiry facilitator for further information.