The following letter written in 1867 is from a well known chief on the West coast, a companion of Te Rauparaha's, a principal chief of both the Ngatitoa and, Ngatiraukawa tribes.

"The Ngatiapas and Rangitanes had lost all authority over these lands as far as Wairarapa long before the Treaty of Waitangi came in 1840. At the time the Treaty was signed they had no authority over the land.

The Ngatiraukawa quietly handed over the other side of Rangitikei to Ngatiapa for them to sell to Mr. McLean, which made that sale complete.

Ahuoturanga also was quietly handed over by Ngatiraukawa to Hirawhanu, chief of Rangitane, which made that correct.

This side of Rangitikei was retained by Ngatiraukawa then, and they are still retaining it.