Ngati Kahungunu
Timeline of events 1993-2004

The eight Iwi of Te Tau Ihu O Te Waka (Marlborough and Nelson) had been trying to get licences to begin the commercial development of their fishing resource. Over a ten-year period legal action resulted in an appeal to the Court of Appeal.

June 19th 2003 Court of Appeal (Chief Justice Sian Elias)

Maori Customary title to the Foreshore and Seabed had never been legally extinguished and that Marlborough Iwi have their title clarified through the Maori Land Court.

June 20th 2003 Prime Minister announces that

"Under the Crowns Assumption of Sovereignty, the Foreshores and Seabed's will be vested in the "public domain"."

August 2003 Te Ope Mana A Tai is formed to represent all Iwi who oppose the legislation.

Marlborough and Hauraki Iwi host two National Hui at Ngauhutoitoi Marae (Paeroa), and at Omaka Marae, Blenheim, all Iwi present (44), reject the Crowns proposals.

February 2004 - At two Hui-a-Iwi Ngati Kahungunu whanau whanui reject the Crown proposals.

At these Hui strategies are agreed upon, and a Coordinator is appointed to facilitate Iwi opposition. The Hui resolved to take three strategies (as presented on page two).

February 2004 - the government announces that it will now vest the F/S in the Government and not in "public domain" as previously intended.

February 27th and 1st March 2004 - Public protest by Ngati Kahungunu takes place outside the War Memorial Conference Centre, Napier. This protest was aimed at Parekura Horomia and Tariana Turia and is part of the NKII strategy to oppose the F/S.