Pushing the process: A whānau journey through the Treaty of Waitangi claims process

Abstract

This thesis follows the journey of a Whānau (ngā uri a Arama Whakatau) in its Claim to the Waitangi Tribunal under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1986. In particular, it looks at inter-Whānau dynamics before, during and after the Claims process. The connections to the claimant area through whakapapa and establishing ahi kaa rights are identified, as are problems faced by lodging a Claim at the Whānau level. Aspects of inter-Whānau, inter-Hapū and inter-iwi politics are considered along with Crown agencies' processes. The primary question posed in the thesis is whether a Whānau Claim is the more appropriate avenue compared to making a Claim through the Hapū or iwi. However, the inter-Whānau dynamics are the core focus of the thesis in this 'warts-and-all' discussion from the perspective of the participant-observer.