Major issues
Major issues in the Te Raki stage 2 inquiry included:
- Tino rangatiratanga, kāwanatanga and autonomy: political engagement between Māori and the Crown, including the 1860s rūnanga system and the Crown's relationship with the Kotahitanga movements of the 1880s, 1890s, and the twentieth century.
- The immediate aftermath of the Treaty of Waitangi (in particular the Old Land Claims process 1841–43, scrip, and surplus lands, Crown pre-emption and purchasing, and the Northern War 1844–46).
- The operation of the Native Land Court and the alienation of Māori land in the 19th and 20th centuries.
- The management of Māori land in the twentieth century, including local government and rating, and public works takings.
- Ownership and management of environmental, water and other non-land resources.
- Takutai moana/foreshore and seabed.
- Economic development and socioeconomic issues and capability.
- Te reo Māori, wāhi tapu, taonga, and tikanga.
- Specific local issues including the Port of Whāngārei/Northport, Marsden Point Refinery, Hauturu (Little Barrier Island) and Hato Petera College – sale of Crown Grants Lands.
Panel members
The inquiry panel for stage 1 was presided over by Judge Coxhead. The panel also included:
- Dr Richard Hill
- Joanne Morris
- Kihi Ngatai
- Keita Walker
- Emeritus Professor Ranginui Walker
The inquiry panel for stage 2 is presided over by Judge Coxhead. The panel also includes:
- Dr Robyn Anderson
- Dr Ann Parsonson
The late Emeritus Professor Ranginui Walker was a member of the stage 2 panel until February 2016.
The late Dr Kihi Ngatai was also a member of the stage 2 panel until August 2021.
Inquiry progress
Stage 1 inquiry
The stage 1 inquiry hearings took place between May 2010 and February 2011. On 14 November 2014, the Te Paparahi o Te Raki stage 1 report handover took place at Te Tii Marae, Waitangi. The stage 1 report addressed the issues posed by the Tribunal, which – uniquely in Tribunal inquiries – focused on Māori and Crown understandings of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga/the Declaration of Independence 1835, and Te Tiriti o Waitangi/the Treaty of Waitangi 1840.