Mana, whānau and full and final settlement : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Philosophy in Māori Studies at Massey University

Abstract

A study is presented which describes and critiques the process of the settlement of Māori claims with respect to Crown acts or omissions which breech the principles of the Treaty of Waiting. Attention has been focused on the rights of whānau and hapū within the process of direct negotiation, and an unsuccessful attempt by the Whakatōhea iwi of the Eastern Bay of Plenty to negotiate a settlement of their claims has been considered as a case study of direct negotiation. The views of seven participants involved in Whakatōhea's negotiations have been used to gain insight into the process and to help identify some key obstacles to Treaty settlement. Finally, the positions adopted by the Crown and various Māori groups, with regard to the obstacles identified, are discussed and some suggestions have been made which might provide a focus for future discussion on the subject of direct negotiation.