A damning report today has addressed the Crown's mistreatment of Whanganui Maori since the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Waitangi Tribunal report explains the Crown has caused local Maori substantial harm.

It points to extensive land purchases where the Crown deliberately deceived Tangata Whenua over how much land it was purchasing.

The report also refers to current issues, with the tribunal stating local Maori continue to live in a deprived state, have little control over issues that matter them, and that Maori should have a more appropriate role in local government.

The report concludes by saying local Maori are due substantial redress for the harm caused to them.