Services To Claimants
Crown Forestry Rental Trust assists Māori claimants to prepare, present and negotiate claims lodged under the Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975, that involve, or could involve, Crown forest licensed land.
Claimants who are preparing for and engaging in the Treaty settlement process are required to commit considerable time, effort and resources to advance their claims. Minimum requirements include:
- Evidence of a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.
- Evidence that claimants have suffered prejudice as a result.
- A defined claimant group with identified geographical boundaries, whakapapa and recognition from neighbouring groups.
- Leadership skills, and a high level of organisation and unity.
Working within its Trust Deed, the Trust seeks to help claimants to successfully navigate this process.
Trust Services
The Trust provides the following services:
- Facilitation, including providing advice on all matters concerned with these processes.
- Funding specific settlement-related activities necessary for these processes.
- Planning and funding any research that is required to support a claim.
Typically, in working over a period of time with groups of claimants, the Trust will put together a service package that could include:
- Assessing the evidential basis of the claim.
- Assessing the research effort required to complete the District’s Casebook.
- Assistance with drafting a research plan.
- Contracting professional research services.
- Supporting and resourcing the group to manage its claims to the hearing stage.
- Facilitating planning hui - support and guidance through planning processes.
- Administering and monitoring contracts.
