The meaning of this term is used to describe the Maori people of a particular locality, or as a whole as the original inhabitants of New Zealand.

The Waitangi Tribunal describes it as a term used in conflict to exclude others from an area.

We know that it has been brought into use over the past 30 years as part of the treaty claims process by claimant groups to assert a claim over an area for financial advantage.

We know that the words "tangata whenua" was not used in the Treaty of Waitangi, where the words "tangata Maori" were used..

So there you have it -- "tangata whenua" IS A TERM USED IN CONFLICT, NOT USED IN THE TREATY, BUT REVIVED OVER THE PAST 30 YEARS FOR FINANCIAL GAIN.