The people of Ngāti Apa live in the Rangitīkei region, towards the south-west of the North Island of New Zealand. Their traditional lands extend between the Mangawhero, Whangaehu, Turakina and Rangitīkei rivers. This area is bounded by Whanganui River in the north-west, and Manawatū River in the south-east.
Ngāti Apa take their name from the ancestor Apa-hāpai-taketake, who was the son of Ruatea. Stories of Apa’s deeds place the tribe’s origins in the Bay of Plenty. To the west of Pūtauaki mountain is a place known to Māori as Te Takanga-a-Apa (the place where Apa fell), so named because, according to one account, it was where Apa was kicked to the ground by the pet moa of a man called Te Awatope. Because he limped after this incident, he was named Apa-koki (Apa with a limp). One explanation for the place name is that Apa fell to his death there. Another account says he was banished from the district after slaughtering Te Awatope’s moa.
NgatiApa was concerned that, if the MAC decision stood, it would prevent the Waitangi Tribunal from investigating their claims to some South Island lands.
NgatiApa conceded that if they sought any recommendations from the Waitangi Tribunal inconsistent with the 1998 Settlement Act then legislative amendment would be required yet their attack on the decision of the MAC appeared to inconsistent with the 1998 Settlement Act.
NgatiApa were now seeking both that the MAC decision be set aside and that the court declare that the Waitangi Tribunal could hear the NgatiApa claim to these West Coast lands.
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