Media Release

20 October 2015

Cross to return to Puketāpapa-Mt Roskill

The Puketāpapa Local Board is welcoming the decision of the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority to allow the traditional star and cross structure to be erected on the summit of Puketāpapa / Pukewīwī / Mt Roskill during the forthcoming Christmas and Easter periods.

The Mt Roskill cross used to be displayed only at Easter and Christmas, but since the formation of the super city in 2010, the cross had remained up year-round. It was taken down by the Maunga Authority in June this year.

In late May, the Puketāpapa Local Board passed an urgent resolution supporting dialogue around the issue and a move back to fixed dates.

“For the past six months we have played a constructive role in getting this sensitive issue resolved. We’ve brought the Maunga Authority and the Mt Roskill Ministers’ Association together to talk through the issue and understand one another’s perspectives. We’re thrilled that an outcome has been reached that respects both the role of the Maunga Authority and the deeply felt connection that the local community has with the cross and star structure,” says Puketāpapa local board chair Julie Fairey.

“The Maunga Authority made the decision yesterday, agreeing to allow placement of the structure for fixed periods for Christmas 2015 and Easter 2016, with a review afterwards to consider ongoing arrangements. While the proposed time periods do not align exactly with those requested by the local Ministers Association, the Chair and Deputy Chair of the Authority have been authorised to consider the possibility of altering the time periods.

“The most important thing is that a fundamental agreement has been reached to allow the star and cross to be displayed and we are confident that further details can be resolved by further good-faith discussions. We commend all parties for their constructive approach to resolving this important local issue.”

ENDS

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