Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Wairarapa have been negotiating with the New Zealand Government (the Crown) about historical breaches to the Treaty of Waitangi. Some of the outcomes of these negotiations will involve Wairarapa Moana.

The bed of Lake Wairarapa will be returned to Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne, and much of the public reserve land around Wairarapa Moana will be returned to Ngāti Kahungunu such as Pounui Lagoon, Lake Domain and Wairarapa Lake Shore Reserve.

A Statutory Board will be established for Wairarapa Moana. The Board will comprise:

• Four members appointed by Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tamaki Nui a Rua Settlement Trust (including two members representing Kohunui and Pāpāwai Marae),

• One member appointed by Rangitāne Tū Mai Ra Trust

• Two members appointed by the Minister of Conservation

• Two members appointed by Greater Wellington Regional Council

• One member appointed by South Wairarapa District Council

The Board will play a role in managing not only the Lakes and reserves around them, but also in resource Management of the whole of the Ruamāhanga River Catchment. This is an exciting opportunity for mana whenua, local government and central government to work together, in a holistic way, and on a much more even footing to restore Wairarapa Moana.