The hearing of the Ngapuhi Nui Tonu initial claim required the Waitangi Tribunal to look into the Ngapuhi and Crown understandings of He Wakaputanga – often referred to as the Declaration of Independence – and Te Tiriti o Waitangi. This independent report considers the evidence presented to the Tribunal and, in particular, the assertion by Ngaphui Nui Tonu that in assenting to Te Tiriti they did not cede their sovereignty to the Crown.