Parliament passes landmark legislation returning Kororipo Pā to Ngāpuhi

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlighted the importance of Kororipo Pā not only to Ngāpuhi, but to the wider history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

The relationship between the Crown and Ngāpuhi has taken a significant step forward with Parliament passing legislation to return the historic Kororipo Pā, marking an important milestone in the long journey to address historical grievances and advance Treaty settlement negotiations.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka described the passage of the legislation as a meaningful act of redress, reflecting the Crown’s commitment to recognising past wrongs and strengthening its relationship with Ngāpuhi.

A step towards addressing historic grievances

Minister Goldsmith said the return of Kororipo Pā is a tangible acknowledgement of the injustices experienced by Ngāpuhi and an important signal of intent as the Crown looks to progress Treaty settlement discussions.

He emphasised that advancing negotiations with Ngāpuhi groups remains a priority for the Government, noting that the return of the pā demonstrates goodwill and a readiness to engage constructively.

The legislation follows three years of focused negotiations between the Crown and Ngāti Rēhia, supported by hapū with longstanding whakapapa and cultural connections to Kororipo Pā. Throughout this process, Ngāpuhi have stood alongside Ngāti Rēhia, underscoring the collective significance of the site and the shared responsibility for its future.

Minister Goldsmith acknowledged the presence of Ngāti Rēhia and their Ngāpuhi whanaunga in the House during the passage of the legislation, describing it as a privilege to witness the culmination of years of effort and collaboration.

Kororipo Pā’s national and cultural significance

Conservation Minister Tama Potaka highlighted the importance of Kororipo Pā not only to Ngāpuhi, but to the wider history of Aotearoa New Zealand.

He described the pā as a place of learning, diplomacy and trade, where Ngāpuhi rangatira engaged with one another and with missionaries and early settlers. Kororipo Pā was a centre of dialogue, where matters of war and peace, politics, and social progress were debated and decided.

According to Minister Potaka, the pā’s role as a hub of interaction gives it national significance, representing an early meeting point between Māori and Pākehā and a place where the foundations of modern New Zealand were shaped.

Honouring perseverance across generations

Ngāpuhi have long sought the return of Kororipo Pā, and the passage of the legislation is seen as recognition of their perseverance and leadership over generations. Minister Potaka described the moment as more than a legislative achievement, characterising it as a celebration of enduring relationships, shared history, and mutual respect.

He acknowledged the deep cultural responsibility Ngāpuhi have maintained for the site, despite its long absence from their direct control, and recognised the return as an affirmation of their role as guardians of the land.

Transfer and future stewardship

Kororipo Pā will formally transfer to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rēhia Trust on 23 January 2026. The trust will hold the site as kaitiaki on behalf of Ngāpuhi, reflecting the collective nature of guardianship and the shared whakapapa ties to the pā.

Importantly, the site will retain its historic reserve status, and public access will continue unchanged. This ensures that Kororipo Pā remains a place of learning and reflection for all New Zealanders, while acknowledging Ngāpuhi authority and stewardship.

The return of Kororipo Pā stands as a significant symbol of reconciliation, signalling progress in Crown–Māori relations and setting a constructive tone for future Treaty settlement negotiations with Ngāpuhi.