The Sim Commission 1926

The Sim Commission was established in 1926 with its chairman being Sir William Alexander Sim (lawyer and judge). The commission was made to investigate Māori land confiscations under the New Zealand Settlements Act 1863 and subsequent legislation.

However, the Commission was only able to investigate if land confiscations by the crown exceeded being fair and just. The Commission also had only limited time and resources for its purpose. Thus, it was not able to fully investigate the return of whenua (land), wāhi tapu (sacred sites) and any other taonga. The first case the Sim Commission represented was for Taranaki Māori to receive proper consideration of their claims and grievances.

Dr Evelyn Stokes presented to the University of Waikato Library copies in five folders relating to confiscations from the South Auckland Land District. The papers contain notes on petitions, hearings and historical references prepared in the office of the Commissioner of Crown Lands (Auckland), for the assistance of the Royal Commission to Inquire into Confiscations of Native Lands and any other grievances.