Prior to the 1863 Waikato confiscation, Kawhia was a well-established village exporting goods around the world using their own ships, but today, Ngāti Hikairo stood before the Waitangi Tribunal at Waipapa Marae, hoping to settle their grievances.
The Waitangi Tribunal's eyes were fixed on Kawhia today and its interesting history.
Up until the 1860s, Ngāti Hikaro exported goods directly to Sydney and California, and owned 11 ships. But laws put in place by the Govt of the time left the tribe helpless.
It's still early days for Ngāti Hikairo in their settlement process. Tomorrow, Ngāti Te Wehi will submit their grievances.