"Over the next 30 years, Ahuriri Hapū protested about land issues through participation in the Repudiation and Kotahitanga movements. These movements sought the review of previous land transactions, the restriction of further land sales, and the reform of the native land laws. In 1874, Parliament set aside all of Te Whanganui-ā-Orotu as an endowment for the Napier Harbour Board. Parliament did not establish a role for Ahuriri Hapū on the board. After the 1931 Hawke's Bay earthquake raised parts of the bed of Te Whanganui-ā-Orotu above the water level, the Napier Harbour Board leased most of Te Whanganui-ā-Orotu to the Crown, and the Crown commenced drainage and reclamation work … The processes of drainage and reclamation, combined with the diversion of the Tūtaekurī River outlet to the sea, reduced Te Whanganui-ā-Orotu (originally approximately 9,500 acres in area) to a narrow tidal channel. Today, the remaining water-covered estuary area amounts to approximately 680 acres at high tide.