Disenfranchisement and poverty in the post-settlement phase of Māori claims

Since 1995, Māori tribes have received NZ$ 4.6 billion in compensation for grievances concerning their dispossession in the colonial history of New Zealand, but studies of the influence of settlements on the ‘well-being’ of Māori beneficiaries are scarce. This article reflects on the first major settlement, which was signed with the Waikato-Tainui tribe whose entire territory was confiscated in 1864. After 30 years, the settlement has increased in value to NZ$ 1.9 billion, but, for a variety of reasons, tribal members hardly benefit from the restitution of resources and the growth of the tribal estate. Resources of all tribal beneficiaries have been collectivized under the governance of a tribal corporation that aims at preventing fragmentation in order to enhance their capital value. As a consequence, however, the settlement is deepening the disenfranchisement of tribal members, who have no further avenues for seeking redress for their deprivation.