Call to replace Minister Goldsmith over Te Urewera land decision

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust (TToTW) wishes to update whānau on recent developments regarding the proposed transfer of six Department of Conservation reserves into Te Ureweraunder the Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana settlement legislation, which is currently before the Māori Affairs Select Committee.

The Trust has formally written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon outlining its serious concerns about the proposal and the wider implications for iwi and hapū. In that correspondence, we have raised concerns about the current Minister for Treaty Negotiations’ oversight of this process and asked for consideration of alternative leadership. To date, we have not received a response from the Prime Minister.

We have been engaging with the Crown since April 2025 on this matter. Despite ongoing discussions and correspondence, we have not been able to reach a workable outcome that reflects the interests and ongoing connection of Wairoa iwi to this whenua. Our position remains that these lands should continue to be managed in a way that reflects our active relationship with them, alongside the Department of Conservation.

We do not support a model that would effectively place decision-making control of these reserves under the Te Urewera Board in a way that excludes or reduces the role of overlapping iwi and hapū interests.

We also note a 2024 report by the Office of the Auditor-General. This report found that TeUrewera is facing challenges in managing its current land, including funding and delivery issues. It also warned that if settlement commitments are not delivered as intended, there is a risk of legal action, and the Crown has previously paid large amounts in compensation for settlement failures. The report further highlights that when commitments are not met, settlements may no longer be seen as “full and final”, which can weaken trust in the Treaty settlement process.

Public submissions on the Bill have now closed, and the proposal will now move through the Select Committee stage. We will continue to follow this closely and remain involved where we can.

TToTW maintains that Treaty settlements should resolve historical grievances, not create new issues. We remain committed to protecting the interests of Wairoa iwi and ensuring our voice is properly represented.