In the 1990s, Waikato was engaged in Treaty negotiations with the crown. Many of our Waikato hapuu prepared to formally unite in a way that adhered to the settlement process, including our hapuu Ngaati Mahuta ki te hauaauru, and our three Marae, Maketuu, Te Kooraha, and Aaruka.

The idea of establishing a hapuu entity was first conceived during this time.  The idea rose again following the furore around the Foreshore and Seabed Act (2004). Still, there was no immediate need to establish.  The hapuu jumped into reactive mode again over the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011, and the Rohe Pootae Inquiry. 

Faced with uncertainty around potential access to tribal land and tahatika (coastline), challenge to traditional practices, and Mana Motuhake(self-determination), the hapuu-wide (subtribe) entity was finally birthed. Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Mahuta ki te Hauaauru Charitable Trust was finally established in 2013 to protect, preserve, and enhance the interests of Ngaati Mahuta ki te Hauaauru. 

Since 2013, Te Ruunanga o Ngaati Mahuta ki te hauaauru has ensured our voice is heard regarding our rohe whenua and rohe moana. We are in the Pre-hearing stage of the current Marine and Coastal Areas (Takutai Moana) application. Our update on claims can be found on our claims page.