Kemp's Deed

Kemp's Deed, was a contract signed on 12 June 1848 by Tacy Kemp, representing the New Zealand Company on behalf of the British Crown, and 40 leading Māori of the Ngāi Tahu iwi. It was the basis of the Canterbury Purchase, on the South Island. Kemp did not properly follow his instructions, for which he was taken to task by E. J. Eyre, the lieutenant-governor of New Munster (the South Island). Resulting Ngāi Tahu grievances were settled 150 years later with the passing of the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998 and a compensation package valued at NZ$170 million.