He Pānui ki te Whānau – Kua ū te waka ki te ara whiriwhiri

We Are Now at the Negotiating Table

E ngā uri o Ngā Hapū Te Whakaaetanga, tēnā koutou katoa.

We are pleased to share an important milestone in the journey of our hapū. Te Whakaaetanga has formally signed the Terms of Negotiations with the Crown. This means we are now officially at the negotiating table, advancing our kaupapa under hapu Rangatiratanga.

This is a significant step forward — one that reflects years of whakaaro, kōrero, research, planning, and commitment from whānau across generations.

A Collective Achievement

This milestone belongs to all of us.

We want to sincerely acknowledge and thank everyone who has:

• participated in hui, wānanga, and kōrero
• supported the mandate and direction of the hapū
• contributed time, whakaaro, expertise, and encouragement
• stood alongside the kaupapa, even when progress felt slow

Your support has strengthened the mandate of Te Whakaaetanga and made it possible to reach this
point. Without hapu engagement, this step would not have been achieved.

What This Means

Signing the Terms of Negotiations confirms that:

• the Crown formally recognises Te Whakaaetanga as a negotiating entity
• discussions can now move from preparation into formal negotiations

This does not mean outcomes are predetermined, nor does it signal the end of the journey. Rather, it marks the beginning of a new phase.

Looking Ahead

As negotiations progress, Ngā Hapū Te Whakaaetanga will continue to:

• keep you informed through regular communications
• provide opportunities for hapu engagement and feedback