Treaty Settlement Pathway

The Crown’s current policy is to negotiate Treaty settlements only with Large Natural Groups (LNGs) made up of iwi or several iwi together. It does not usually negotiate directly with hapū. Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū considers this policy unacceptable because Te Tiriti o Waitangi was an agreement between the Crown and hapū, not iwi groupings created later.

Working with Related Hapū

Because of the Crown’s policy, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū has explored working alongside related hapū to investigate:

• entering negotiations with the Crown
• progressing Treaty grievances
• advancing Marine & Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) claims
• using litigation where needed to protect Te Paatu ki Kauhanga interests

Preparing for Crown Engagement

Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū is preparing for future Crown engagement by building a structure that allows the hapū to receive and manage its own settlement assets. This ensures the hapū can stand independently if required.

History of Advocacy

From the late 20th century to today, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū has actively taken part in:

• Waitangi Tribunal inquiries
• legal processes
• political engagement
• advocacy for their lands, waters, coasts, and seas

The hapū is now establishing its own Post‑Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) to hold and administer any future settlement assets on behalf of beneficiaries.

Ongoing Hapū Leadership

Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust will continue to lead hapū involvement in negotiations. Its representatives maintain organised communication and engagement so the hapū’s mandate remains strong and clear.

Future Negotiations

The hapū aims to be ready to negotiate a Deed of Settlement with the Crown. The goal is to secure the return of Crown land and resources within the rohe as part of resolving historical Treaty breaches.

Post‑Settlement Governance

To meet Crown requirements, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga has established a PSGE to:

• sign any future Deed of Settlement
• receive settlement assets
• manage those assets for the long‑term benefit of the hapū

Under the Trust Deed, all whānau beneficiaries are entitled to benefit from settlement redress.

Who Can Register?



You can register as a beneficiary if you are:

• 18 years or older, and a descendant of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū by birth or legal adoption (whāngai).
• A parent or legal guardian registering children under 18 in your whānau.

Registration helps us maintain an accurate record of our hapū members and ensures you can take part in important decisions.

Why Register?

Becoming a registered beneficiary gives you important rights and keeps you connected to Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū. Registration allows you to:

• Be formally recognised as a member of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū.
• Receive updates on our Land and Takutai Moana claims.
• Stay informed about hapū events, hui, and opportunities.
• Vote in Trust elections once you turn 18.
• Receive official notices from the Trust.
• Attend annual general meetings (AGMs) and take part in hapū decision‑making.
• Nominate trustees or stand as a trustee if you are 18 or older.
• Exercise all other rights that come with being a registered beneficiary.

Download, sign, and return pages two and three of this form to:

Secretary

Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust Board
PO Box 297
Kaitaia 0441

Or scan and email to: admin@kauhanga.nz.  Please send originals by post. Need help, contact us at 0800 Te Paatu.