Waitangi Tribunal
Inquiries |
Login to the extranet | Whanganui Introduction
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 Maori 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 will be held over four weeks from September to November 2008, in the upper reaches of the Whanganui River. Awa FM will be broadcasting hearing block 3. Please see www.awafm.co.nz for more details. Whanganui (Wai 903) inquiry interlocutory phase timetable:
Week 5: 10-14 March 2008, Paraweka Marae, Pipiriki Hearing Block 3 - Northern cluster and Ngati Rangi Week 10: 29 September - 3 October 2008, TBC The venues for the hearings will be confirmed soon. Crown hearings 8 days will be scheduled for Crown hearings in early 2009.
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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 of the Waitotara River in the west.