Mandate step of Treaty settlement negotiations

Hapū Grouping Proposal

The first step is forming a hapū grouping. A hapū grouping is a group of multiple hapū. It is established to seek a mandate to represent those hapū in Treaty settlement negotiations. 

This step is unique to the Ngāpuhi mandating process. It recognises the Waitangi Tribunal’s findings in the Ngāpuhi Mandate Inquiry and the need for flexible application of the Crown’s ‘Large Natural Group’ policy. 

It is anticipated that regional hapū groupings will form around the key Ngāpuhi regions: Te Pēwhairangi, Whangārei, Whangaroa, Hokianga, Kaikohe, Waimate Taiāmai, and Mangakahia.

Hapū grouping proposal process map

The hapū grouping proposal process map shows the steps required to submit a hapū grouping proposal. It must be submitted to Te Tari Whakatau using the hapū grouping proposal form.

A template PowerPoint presentation is available for any hui you run while producing your hapū grouping proposal. It provides an example of how you could present information – you do not have to use it.

Hapū grouping proposal process map [JPEG, 250 KB]

Hapū grouping proposal process map [PDF, 149 KB]

Hapū grouping proposal application form [PDF, 209 KB]

Hapū grouping proposal hui template presentation [PPTX, 85 KB]

Mandate Strategy

After a hapū grouping is confirmed by the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, the hapū grouping drafts its Mandate Strategy. Te Tari Whakatau runs a public submission process on the draft Mandate Strategy and the hapū works through the feedback received.

Te Tari Whakatau and Te Puni Kōkiri then decide whether to endorse the Mandate Strategy, working with the hapū grouping to address any concerns. Depending on the approach taken, the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations and Minister for Māori Development may need to endorse the Mandate Strategy before you can implement it.

Once the Mandate Strategy is endorsed, it is implemented by the hapū grouping.

Mandate Strategy process map

The Mandate Strategy process map shows the standard steps to obtain an endorsed Mandate Strategy. Each mandate journey is unique, and the process your hapū grouping chooses to take might be different.

The hapū grouping engages with Te Tari Whakatau about how you want to run your mandate process. Te Tari Whakatau can advise of ways to achieve your goals and any implications of changes to the process. 

You can use the template Mandate Strategy and guide to help you draft your Mandate Strategy. You do not need to use the template, however it is a good starting point. 

The template advertisement and information hui presentation are available to help you implement your Mandate Strategy after it is endorsed.

Mandate Strategy process map [JPEG, 241 KB]

Mandate Strategy process map [PDF, 66 KB]

Mandate Strategy template [DOC, 136 KB]

Mandate Strategy guidance [PDF, 287 KB]

Template newspaper advertisement for mandate information hui [PDF, 99 KB]

Mandate information hui template presentation [PPTX, 76 KB]

Deed of Mandate

Once the Mandate Strategy has been endorsed and implemented and the voting process completed, the Deed of Mandate is drafted and agreed to by Te Tari Whakatau and Te Puni Kōkiri.

Te Tari Whakatau will then run a public submission process on the draft Deed of Mandate.

Deed of Mandate process map

The Deed of Mandate process map sets out the key steps involved in finalising a Deed of Mandate.

You can use the Deed of Mandate template as a starting point to help you draft your Deed. However, you do not need to use the template.

Deed of Mandate process map [JPG, 135 KB]

Deed of Mandate process map [PDF, 65 KB]

Deed of Mandate template [PDF, 410 KB]