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The processes to address Ngãpuhi's deficit position to participate fully in a society of crown intervention in all aspects of life: political, economic and social, is a challenge that will test the mettle, constitution and resoluteness of a people with a proud heritage forged in its resolve that they have never ceded sovereignty or authority to anyone. The settlement process of addressing Ngãpuhi's land claims and grievances against the crown has begun in earnest. The following addresses the Waitangi Tribunal 'Early Hearings' of the WAI 1040 Te Paparahi o Te Raki, the Ngãpuhi initial claims hearings held in Waitangi in May and June 2010. This hearing was premised on Ngãpuhi's claim that their tupuna (ancestors) did not cede their sovereignty to anyone let alone the Crown on the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. On 6th February 1840. This claim is unique in that it does not call for an inquiry into specific acts by the Crown that led to losses by Ngãpuhi. Rather, the enquiry examines the basis on which the Crown in New Zealand assumed its authority to govern. For over 170 years the Crown has relied heavily on the presumption that Ngãpuhi ceded their sovereignty to the crown when they signed the treaty at Waitangi. It is this presumption and its detrimental effects that lie at the heart of the Ngãpuhi initial claim.
Keywords: Ngãpuhi, Sovereignty, He Wakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Nu Tireni, Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The processes to address Ngãpuhis deficit position to participate fully in a society of Crown intervention in all aspects of life: political, economic and social, is a challenge that will test the mettle, constitution and resoluteness of a people with a proud heritage forged in its resolve that they have never ceded sovereignty or authority to anyone. The settlement process of addressing Ngãpuhis land claims and grievances against the Crown began in earnest and has been in progress since about 2008.
The following paper addresses the Waitangi Tribunal 'Early Hearings' of the WAI 1040 Te Paparahi o Te Raki, the Ngãpuhi initial claims' hearings held in Waitangi in May and June 2010 and later in Panguru in the Hokianga and Te Ti Mangonui. These hearings were premised on Ngãpuhis claim that their tupuna...