A Te Arawa trust is accusing a South Waikato iwi of "modern-day imperialism" for claiming land by association that is beyond its area.
Te Arawa River Iwi Trust (TARIT) has made a submission to the Maori Affairs Select Committee objecting to a map that was submitted by Raukawa. It had been accepted by the Crown and formed part of the Raukawa Claims Settlement Bill which was expected to be passed by Parliament next year.
TARIT worked on behalf of iwi affiliates Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa, Ngati Kea-Ngati Tuara and Tuhourangi tribal authority and represented their interests in the Waikato River and its catchment.
![Ngati Raukawa has included a map of where its people have a connection or association as part of its Treaty claims settlement deed.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/UFD35IB5LHWM76QJMOPHR4QEOY.jpg?auth=b92ec9edb730337a7349b7d4fa4ac7ec04b12efe1f7a9715b603f53b9299eb0b&width=16&height=21&quality=70&smart=true)
Raukawa has said in a disclaimer the map did not depict a tribal boundary or define an area of mana whenua (customary authority). It included areas and sites important to the iwi for a range of reasons including historical connections through to events connected to Treaty of Waitangi claims and Crown actions. It has said in some of these areas Raukawa does not have exclusive or predominant interests and acknowledges that in such areas other groups hold mana whenua.