Claims made to the Waitangi Tribunal are allegations that the Crown (the central government) breached Te Tiriti o Waitangi by particular actions or inactions (including laws or policies) causing Māori to be “prejudicially affected” – that is, to suffer some kind of loss or harm or otherwise be negatively affected.
A Treaty claim can be about a specific area of land, but it can also be about a broader issue or government policy that Māori believe is unfair. For example Māori have submitted claims about confiscated lands, but also about te reo Māori, Māori broadcasting, and fisheries.