E oho! A short history of the Waitangi Tribunal — Where to f

Learn about the history, present and future of the Waitangi Tribunal and bring the questions you always wanted to ask.

Waitangi Tribunal, history, present and future
The Waitangi Tribunal was established in 1975 as a standing commission of inquiry. It makes recommendations on claims brought by Māori relating to legislation, policies, actions or omissions of the Crown that are alleged to breach the promises made in the Treaty of Waitangi.

Since 1975 the Waitangi Tribunal has contributed to the resolution of Treaty claims and reconciliation of outstanding issues between Māori and the Crown. At first, it could only investigate contemporary breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi, but in 1985 Parliament allowed the Tribunal to look into events that dated back to 1840.

After 46 years of hearing inquiries, writing reports and making ecommendations, the Tribunal has almost completed all district (specific area) inquiries. The Waitangi Tribunal has now started grouping claims thematically, in so called kaupapa (generic) inquiries.

Hear from experts and tribunal members how the Tribunal started, what it has achieved so far and where it is heading in the future.

Format of event
12:10pm to 1:00pm — Talk.

1:00pm to 1:30pm — Kōrero circle to continue the discussion.

About the speakers
Dame Claudia Orange is an Honorary Research Fellow at the Te Papa. She has published widely on New Zealand history, race relations and the Treaty of Waitangi. In 2009 she was awarded the honour of Distinguished Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Colin James was a political journalist from 1969 - 2019. He is a life member of the Parliamentary Press Gallery and the E Tu Union. He has published eight books, and has an honorary doctorate from Victoria University.

Judge Damian Stone (Ngāti Kahungunu) is a member of the Waitangi Tribunal. He was appointed to the Māori Land Court in 2019. Based in Wellington, he is the resident judge for Wellington and Thames, but also provides support for hearings around the country.

E oho! Waitangi Series 2021 is a series that aims to lay the foundation for all people living in Aotearoa by exploring key events in history that shaped the nation we call home.

This series is for everyone; featuring an amazing line-up of speakers from diverse backgrounds, experts, artists and activists, comprising a range of performances, screening, workshops and public talks that focus on historical events, contemporary consequences and collective understanding. The programme for each event entails inspiring talks and the opportunity to kōrero further after the event.