Learn about the key aspects of the Heretaunga Tamatea claims settlement right of first refusal (RFR). Note: this is a guide only and agencies must comply with the requirements of the Deed of Settlement, legislation and any relevant LINZ standards.
This page is also available for download (PDF).
The following has been developed in collaboration with Te Arawhiti.
The Heretaunga Tamatea area of interest
Heretaunga Tamatea and its hapū is one of six large natural groupings negotiating the settlement of the historical Treaty of Waitangi claims of Ngāti Kahungunu. The Heretaunga Tamatea area of interest extends from the Tūtaekurī River in the north following the ridge of the Ruahine Range south to Takapau and turns seawards to Pōrangahau in the south. The rohe includes five major river systems – the Tūtaekurī River, the Ngaruroro, the Tukituki River, the Maraetōtara and the Pōrangahau River / Taurekaitai Stream – and comprises an alluvial plains system powered by the Heretaunga and the Ruataniwha aquifers.
The map below provides an indication of the area of interest for Heretaunga Tamatea, but is not a depiction of any RFR area.
Map showing the area of interest referred to in the Deed of Settlement between Heretaunga Tamatea and the Crown.
Image description
A map with an outlined area which shows the Heretaunga Tamatea area of interest, which extends from the Tūtaekurī River in the north following the ridge of the Ruahine Range south to Takapau and turns seawards to Pōrangahau in the south.
Settlement summary
| Iwi | Heretaunga Tamatea |
|---|---|
| Deed of Settlement signed | 26 September 2015 The Deed was amended during the settlement process. Heretaunga Tamatea Deed of Settlement |
| Settlement Date | 22 August 2018 |
| Legislation | Heretaunga Tamatea Claims Settlement Act 2018 (“the Act”) |
| RFR provisions |
The RFR provisions are covered by sections 97-125 and Schedule 6 of the Act. |
| Offer made to | The RFR offer is in favour of the trustees of the Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust (“the trustees”) |
| RFR period | 174 years on and from the settlement date (expires in 2192) |
| RFR memorials | Yes |
Definition of RFR land
Section 98 of the Act defines RFR land included in the settlement. It includes all the land listed in Part 3 of the Attachments to the Deed of Settlement that, on settlement date, was vested in or held in fee simple by the Crown.
Deed of Settlement - Attachments
RFR land also includes land obtained in exchange for a disposal of RFR land under specified sections. This is set out in section 98(1)(b) of the Act.
Section 98(1)(b) of the Act
Disposals
The RFR obligation arises for any disposal that:
- transfers or vests the fee simple estate in the land, or
- grants a lease of the land for a term that is, or will be (if any rights of renewal or extension are exercised under the lease), 50 years or longer.
Preliminary notice
There is no requirement to give preliminary notice of a disposal in this settlement.
Offering the land
The RFR offer to the trustees needs to include:
- the terms of the offer, including the expiry date
- the legal description and street address of the land
- any interests affecting the land
- contact details for the trustees to respond to.
Expiry date of offer
The RFR offer expires on or after 20 working days after the day the trustees receive the offer. However, a shorter expiry date of on or after 10 working days after the day on which an offer is received applies for any subsequent offers where the expiry date of the earlier offer was not more than 6 months before the expiry date of the later offer.
Subsequent disposal process
If the trustees do not accept an offer, or the offer period expires, the RFR landowner can dispose of the land provided that:
- the subsequent disposal is not on more favourable terms than those offered to the trustees,
- the land is being disposed of within 2 years after expiry of the RFR offer and
- the trustees are notified of the proposed disposal at least 20 working days before the disposal occurs.
This notification must provide details of the disposal, including the name of the person to whom the land is being disposed of and an explanation of how the disposal complies with section 99 of the Act, and a copy of the written contract to demonstrate that the subsequent disposal is not on more favourable terms than the RFR offer.
Exempted disposals
Certain disposals can occur without making an RFR offer to the trustees. These exempted disposals are set out in sections 105-115 of the Act.
The trustees must be notified of the proposed exempted disposal at least 20 working days before the disposal occurs, including an explanation of why the disposal is exempted under the settlement.
RFR Memorials
All records of title for RFR land must be noted with a memorial protecting the Trust’s interest.
If an RFR landowner creates a new record of title for an RFR property, the landowner must advise LINZ as soon as possible so LINZ can place a memorial noting the RFR on the title.
In certain cases, the RFR landowner must seek a certificate from LINZ requesting the removal of the RFR memorial, before a transfer can occur.
Contact details
For more information about the Heretaunga Tamatea claims settlement contact:
Heretaunga Tamatea Settlement Trust
PO Box 2192
Stortford Lodge
HASTINGS 4156
Heretaunga Tamatea Trust website
Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand
PO Box 5501
WELLINGTON 6145
Te Arawhiti – The Office for Māori Crown Relations
SX10111
WELLINGTON 6011
Te Arawhiti website
Email: postsettlement@tearawhiti.govt.nz