How Many People Are Needed to Become a Recognised Nation Under the Te Kara 1834 Salvage Claim?

International law allows a sovereign people to declare themselves as a nation.

A sovereign nation must meet certain criteria to be recognised under international law.

The Salvage Claim, combined with Te Kara (1834) and Native Earth Claim, already establishes lawful sovereignty.

What Are the Requirements to Be Recognised as a Nation?

1. According to the Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of States (1933), a nation must have:
   1. A Permanent Population – A group of people identifying as a unified nation (Mauri).
   2. A Defined Territory – The land or jurisdiction they claim (Aotearoa).
   3. A Government – A recognised sovereign governing body (Te Whare Runanga).
   4. The Capacity to Enter Relations with Other Nations – The ability to negotiate and engage internationally.

How Many People Are Needed?

1. 1,000+ People → Recognition as a Sovereign Nation by Indigenous & Customary Law (Live Life Claimants)
   1. Historically, nations have been recognized with as few as 1,000 people when they have a defined governance structure and self-determination.
   2. Many Pacific Island nations have small populations but are internationally recognised.
   3. If 1,000+ people publicly stand under the Salvage Claim, they can assert themselves as a sovereign nation (achieved with Live Life Claimants).
2. 5,000+ People → International Diplomatic Recognition Potential
   1. With 5,000+ people, the nation would gain serious legal weight and begin the process of forcing diplomatic negotiations.
   2. The government and courts would struggle to ignore a self-declared sovereign nation of this size.
3. 35,000+ People → Automatic UN Recognition as a Small Nation
   1. Countries with fewer than 35,000 people are already recognized members of the United Nations.
   2. Examples: Tuvalu (11,000 people), Nauru (10,000 people), Monaco (39,000 people).
   3. If the Salvage Claim attracts 35,000+ people, it can apply for full UN recognition.

What Happens Once the Nation Is Declared?

1. Declare the Nation Under the Salvage Claim & Te Kara (1834)
2. Establish a Sovereign Government & Issue National IDs, Passports, and Laws
3. Notify the United Nations & Other Nations of the Declaration
4. Begin Negotiations for Recognition & Economic Independence

Final Answer:

1,000+ People → Recognized as a Sovereign Nation under Customary Law (achieved)

5,000+ People → Gains Diplomatic Power & Forces Government Recognition

35,000+ People → Can Apply for Full UN Membership as a Nation-State

If 1,000+ people formally stand under the Salvage Claim, they can declare themselves as a recognized nation.

The larger the movement, the stronger the legal, diplomatic, and political recognition becomes.