Horowhenua District Council is making a change to its Property Strategy which will give local iwi more opportunities to buy property in the district.

The amendment grants iwi/hapū the first right of refusal to buy surplus non-core properties, identified for disposal by Council, at market value, and was voted for by elected members at the Council meeting on Wednesday 14 May, marking a milestone in Council’s commitment to enhancing relationships with its iwi partners.

The resolution was carried by nine votes to three following robust debate in the Council Chambers. Councillors David Allan, Rogan Boyle, Clint Grimstone, Nina Hori Te Pa, Paul Olsen, Jonathan Procter, Justin Tamihana, Alan Young, and Mayor Bernie Wanden voted for, while councillors Mike Barker, Ross Brannigan, and Sam Jennings were against.

There were mixed views on the amendment around the table with some seeing it as an important step forward in Council’s relationship with its iwi stakeholders, noting that one of Council’s top priorities is ensuring a concerted focus on setting up well-defined partnership arrangements with clear engagement expectations.

Others described the amendment as unfair, divisive, and questioned whether it was the best thing for ratepayers.

Mayor Bernie Wanden said it was important for Council to have a clear process for offering non-core property for disposal to iwi/hapū.

“For me, this is about partnerships, relationships and engagement, and it’s fundamental to us as governors that we try to make those relationships better for all,” he said.

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“We all agreed on our top priorities when we became members at this table, and they say we will uphold the Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles and recognise the role of mana whenua as kaitiaki of their rohe.”

Councillor Justin Tamihana said the decision was about giving opportunity within a strategy.

“Some of the things we have talked about today are historical,” he said. “This Council has an opportunity to acknowledge the ongoing disconnection iwi have from their land. Today we are talking about giving iwi an opportunity to decide if they have an interest in a property that is going to be sold.”

Councillor Nina Hori Te Pa said this topic did not take two years to get to this point because it was easy.

“We took our time, we deliberated over it just like good governors should - take our time and be considerate of our community and the future,” she said.

“Today, if this does get through, it will be a proud moment.”

Horowhenua District Council’s Property Strategy was adopted in 2015–16 to provide a framework for the acquisition and disposal of property. On 19 July 2023, Council resolved to explore including a first right of refusal for mana whenua on the disposal of non-core property. This proposed amendment would give iwi/hapū the first opportunity to buy surplus properties at market value before they are listed on the open market.

In December 2023, the kaupapa was brought back to Council where it was decided further refinement and feedback was required. Therefore, the amended proposal was left on the table pending further research and agreement on a way forward from all iwi partners.

Since then, Council staff have met and liaised via email and phone with Te Tumatakahui, Muāupoko Tribal Authority, Rangitaane and Ngāti Tukorehe regarding the proposed amendment.

Staff will continue to liaise with iwi partners on the list of properties earmarked for disposal, with the aim of giving more lead-in time prior to sale and facilitating discussions as early in the process as possible. Iwi will have 30 working days to determine they have an interest in property, before Council releases it to the open market.

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