Ngāti Tama was represented in negotiations by the Claims Progression Team led by Greg White.

The Office of Treaty Settlements with the support of Treasury, Ministry of Fisheries and the Department of Conservation, represented the Crown in day to day negotiations.

The Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Hon Margaret Wilson, represented the Crown in high-level negotiations with Ngāti Tama.

The Crown and representatives of Ngāti Tama agreed on the terms of a Deed of Settlement which was then put to members of Ngāti Tama for ratification.

The Deed provided for an apology, acknowledgements, a payment of $14.5 million dollars and the transfer of 1800 hectares of land.

The Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Margaret Wilson said the agreement to put the settlement to Ngāti Tama for ratification brought the end of a long-standing grievance.

"The negotiators have proposed a fair settlement which provides redress for proven wrongs done in the past. The matter is now in the hands of the individual descendants of Ngāti Tama and I look forward to their decision".

1987

Ngāti Tama submits claim

1988

Wananga

The Matua Whangai Committee hold a wānanga on tribal history and tikanga. Many from across the motu attend and embrace the experience. Sites of significance on Ngāti Tama rohe are visited.

Ngati Tama Wananga 1988 1 of 2 (Read more) | Ngati Tama Wananga 1988 2 of 2 (Read more)

1991

Waitangi Tribunal hearings

Waitangi Tribunal hearings (12) for Taranaki claims begin and are held at marae around Taranaki. Oral submissions were made by Pateriki Te Rei, Stephen Taitoko White, Te Aramau Lake, Peter Te Maihengia White and Greg White.

1996

Ngāti Tama selects team to negotiate with the crown

Negotiations between Taranaki iwi and the Crown begin. The Ngāti Tama Iwi Development Trust is mandated to negotiate with the Crown on behalf of Ngāti Tama.

1998

Negotiations are underway

Claims negotiations are underway, and Greg White was selected to be the chief negotiator for Ngāti Tama.

1999

Agreement reached

A Heads of Agreement between Ngāti Tama and the Crown is signed at the Pukearuhe Marae in September 1999.

2001

Ngāti Tama backs agreement

The Deed of Settlement was ratified (with 98% of Ngati Tama’s membership in support).

2003

In November, the Ngāti Tama Settlement Act became law.