Members

The Crown has a policy for Treaty settlements that indicates it will only negotiate and settle with large natural groupings of iwi or more than one iwi. The Crown does not generally negotiate and settle with hapū. However, Te Paatu ki hapū agree that the Crown's policy is unacceptable because Te Tiriti o Waitangi formalised relations between the Crown and hapū.

In accordance with that Crown policy, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū has considered joining with other related hapū to investigate entering into negotiations with the Crown to seek a settlement of the Treaty grievances, Marine and Coastal Areas Act claims and any other avenues - or to litigate to protect and progress Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū interests.

In anticipation of the Crown engaging with various hapū and other organisations to negotiate a settlement of the historical Treaty claims in their rohe, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū is acting to establish a structure to enable it to receive its own assets.

In the late 20th century and into the 21st century, together with other tribal relations from Muriwhenua, Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū participated in the available Waitangi Tribunal, other legal and political engagement processes in respect of their interests and claims over their lands, waters, coasts and seas. They are now taking steps to establish their own Post Governance Settlement Entity ("PSGE") intended to hold and administer those lands, waters, and resources on behalf of the beneficiaries.

The Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust will continue to have direct input into the negotiation of their historical claims and its representatives will ensure their mandate by maintaining ongoing organised hapū communications and structures.

Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū intend to be ready to enter into discussions with the Crown and aspire to reach a stage where Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū may negotiate and enter into a Deed of Settlement with the Crown to achieve the return of any available Crown land and resources in their rohe to them as an on-account part settlement of their historical Treaty claims against the Crown.

To meet the requirements for settlement prescribed by the Crown, a post-settlement governance entity needed to be established to sign the Deed of Settlement and to receive and administer the settlement assets received as part of the Te Paatu Treaty settlement. Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust is hereby established and settled for this purpose and for the protection and advancement of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū.

In accordance with the Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Trust Deed the whānau are entitled to benefit from settlement redress. Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū have established this entity to receive the benefits on behalf of their hapū.



In accordance with the Trust Deed adult members 18 years and over and who are descendants of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū by birth or by legal adoption (whāngai) can register. Parents or legal guardians may also register those under 18 years old in their whānau.

Why register?

Registering as a beneficiary offers the following benefits:

• It identifies you as a member of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū.
• Adult members 18 years and over can make a nomination for trusteeship or become a trustee.
• We can keep you informed on the progress of Te Paatu ki Kauhanga Land and Takutai Moana claims.
• We can keep you updated on current and upcoming events that affect Te Paatu ki Kauhanga hapū.
• Exercise the right to vote, subject to attaining the age of 18 years and being a beneficiary of the Trust.
• Receive notices.
• Attend annual general meetings.
• Make nominations for trusteeship or become a trustee.
• Exercise any other rights and powers attaching to registration.

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.