Planting of One Tree Hill postponed
27 June, 2002
Auckland City Council has announced that the planting at the Summit of One Tree Hill (Maungakiekie) planned for Saturday will not go ahead.
This follows notification today from the Chairman of the Ngati Whatua Maori Trust Board, Sir Hugh Kawharu, that Ngati Whatua were unable to attend the tree plantings. This is because their Treaty claim is at the negotiation stage with the Office of Treaty Settlements, and they wished to ensure that their claim was not jeopardised
Sir Hugh told Auckland City Council that Maungakiekie is at the centre of the Ngati Whatua claim and there are a number of cross claimants within the Auckland Isthmus.
Mayor John Banks says, the decision of Ngati Whatua people is respected.
“We are disappointed that this ceremony cannot proceed The Auckland City Council has postponed the event until such time as Ngati Whatua indicate that they can join the occasion.”
The six pohutukawa which were to be planted at a dawn ceremony on Saturday are at the seedling stage and will be kept in the nursery until such time as the Maungakiekie planting can go ahead.
Council officers say the seedlings are very healthy and there is no urgency to get them planted.
Sir Hugh told the Council that Ngati Whatua’s Treaty claim, should have been heard by now, however due to further requirements from the Office of Treaty Settlements, this has been delayed, but it is expected to be heard in the very near future.
ENDS