Originally lodged in 1993 by prominent Māori wāhine including Dame Areta Koopu, Dame Whina Cooper, Dame Mira Szaszy, Dr Erihapeti Murchie, and others, the claim addresses systemic Crown breaches that have harmed wāhine Māori through exclusion, marginalisation, and erosion of their inherent mana and authority.  Tribunal Inquiry: The Waitangi Tribunal formally opened substantive hearings at Victoria University (Wellington) and Kerikeri in June 2025;the culmination of decades of advocacy and groundwork. Crown’s Opening Position

Crown counsel Freya Dean acknowledged:

• Colonisation’s “profound impact” on Māori, particularly wāhine Māori.
• Ongoing disparities in well-being, representation, and economic outcomes.
  Yet, she urged consideration of broader societal factors;including capitalism, urbanisation, and feminism;that have shaped these outcomes

Lawyer Annette Sykes called the inquiry a “constitutional moment,” but criticised the Crown for delivering a minimalist opening that fails to honour Te Tiriti and adequately affirm wāhine Māori leadership, dignity, and tikanga.

Professor Ani Mikaere illuminated how colonisation altered Māori power structures, replacing traditional female-led authority with patriarchal systems. She highlighted key ancestral figures, like Waitohi and Rangi Topeora, as exemplars of pre-colonial mana wāhine .

Original claimant Ripeka Evans, representing Te Tai Tokerau iwi, delivered a moving account:

“The colonial frame… caused the negation of wāhine Māori mana motuhake and rangatiratanga over their whenua, taonga… hearts, bodies, minds and beliefs.”

She urged the Tribunal to seek solutions, not just recount history, and stressed the Crown’s funding of the inquiry is necessary but insufficient. Wai 2700 Coverage: The inquiry examines Crown policy, practices, legislation, and omissions;both historic and current;that have undermined wāhine Māori across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres. Historical Foundations: This Kaupapa Inquiry builds on foundational research commissioned since 2020 into themes like mātauranga Māori, leadership access, wellbeing disparities, and tikanga restoration Hearings continue through the week and will include:

• Personal testimonies from other original claimants and respected wāhine leaders.
• Evidence on Crown obligations under Te Tiriti and proposed redress measures.
• Deliberation on the restoration of mana wāhine, cultural authority, and pathways for meaningful Crown-wāhine engagement.

These hearings mark a powerful turning point;a reckoning with 200+ years of systemic Crown failings through a Māori lens. Beyond historical reckoning, Wai 2700 seeks to re-envision Te Tiriti’s role in restoring wāhine Māori to their rightful place as leaders, healers, knowledge holders, and treaty partners in Aotearoa.

The Tribunal’s findings and recommendations will have far-reaching implications for gender equity, Māori sovereignty, social justice, and the rebalancing of power in an evolving partnership between the Crown and wāhine Māori.