North Island Maori 'sorely tested' - tribunal

Photo / Herald on Sunday

Maori in the lower North Island have been "sorely tested over a long period" after rapid colonisation left them virtually landless and stripped them of decision-making power, the Waitangi Tribunal has found.

In a report released today, the tribunal said iwi and hapu in the Wairarapa and Tararua regions were left struggling to assert their mana and identity after the Crown bought too much land too quickly in the 19th century.

The tribunal called for greater local decision-making power for tangata whenua, and for Maori rights in and around the region to be recognised and given effect.

The report followed an inquiry into Treaty of Waitangi claims made by iwi and hapu on the east coast of the lower North Island, from Cape Palliser to southern Hawke's Bay, including Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane.

It found rapid colonisation in the 19th meant a Pakeha majority soon owned most of the land, made all the decisions and did not value Maori culture or language. The small Maori population was left "virtually landless" in a part of the country where agriculture was the key to livelihood.

The tribunal said current legislation governing the relationship between tangata whenua and local and central authorities made it difficult for Maori to exercise any meaningful influence over their own locality.

It expressed concern that many important Maori heritage sites were vulnerable, and that their recognition and protection was inadequate.

It also noted that the Government had not responded to the tribunal's recommendation, in July last year, that Maori land should no longer be acquired compulsorily under public works legislation.

Te reo Maori had reached "a very low ebb" in the region, and Maori language tuition was not easily accessible, nor available to all Maori children.

The tribunal recommended improved access and more resources to "make amends for the wrongs of the past".

The report noted an improvement in the historically difficult relationship between Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane, and expressed hope that closer ties would facilitate a successful resolution to the Treaty breaches documented in its report.

The inquiry was led by Judge Carrie Wainwright and included Dame Margaret Bazley, Professor Wharehuia Milroy, and Professor Ranginui Walker. It was assisted by tribunal member Dr Robyn Anderson as consulting historian.

- NZPA