Ngai Tahu Land Report

15 Rakiura

15.1 Introduction

RAKIURA

15.1. Introduction

Rakiura (Stewart Island) was the last major land mass to be purchased from Ngai Tahu by the Crown. Although Rakiura had been settled by Maori/European families for a number of years, the increasing unsupervised European encroachment on the island and the accompanying confusion over land titles, finally motivated the government into arranging the transaction. In 1854 a single land purchasing commissioner, Henry Tacy Clarke, was sent to negotiate the purchase. The deed of purchase, signed after a week's negotiation with 120 representatives having interests in the island, conveyed to the Crown all of Rakiura and the outlying islands where the titi seasonally burrow. Nine reserves were provided for Ngai Tahu and 21 islands were reserved for their exclusive use. The 6000 payment provided for immediate and long term benefit to the tribe.

Although Clarke carried out his duties diligently in comparison with his predecessors, the full implementation of the agreement was delayed for some years. The claimants have stated that the Crown failed to appoint a protector to advise Ngai Tahu of their Treaty and other rights. Under the Rakiura umbrella also were two grievances regarding the administration of the Titi Islands and the inclusion of Whenua Hou (Codfish Island) in the sale.