Land Sale Proposal Undermines Treaty Settlement Agreements

Waikato-Tainui is expressing concern and disappointment at a Government proposal to circumvent the Right of First Refusal (RFR) mechanism within Treaty of Waitangi settlements in order to sell 500ha of Auckland land to developers.

Rahui Papa, Chairman of the tribe’s executive committee Te Arataura, said the iwi had the same concerns held by Ngaati Whaatua and Ngaai Tahu and had written to Minister of Housing Nick Smith requesting that he “affirm the RFR process will apply for Crown land being developed and sold in Auckland”.

He said the Waikato-Tainui territory extended into the Auckland region where it held strong interests.

“The intention to circumvent the RFR mechanism undermines the intention and integrity of the Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act 1995 and damages the Crown relationship with Waikato-Tainui,” said Mr Papa.

“The RFR process was established as a way in which Waikato-Tainui could buy back land that had been confiscated. In total 1.2 million acres was taken and a paltry 2 percent returned. Clearly the RFR mechanism is an important and fundamental element of the settlement.”

He said Waikato-Tainui had settled its Treaty claim in good faith 20 years ago and had since honoured its obligations. The tribe expected the Government to do the same and was seeking clarification from Minister Smith of the Government’s intentions before considering further action

ENDS

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