1 April 2004 |

Turia applauds decision on settlement of land grievance

Te Tai Hauauru MP Tariana Turia applauds the New Plymouth District Council on the just way they have dealt with the return of part of the Pekapeka block to Te Atiawa.

"The Council has shown real leadership on this issue," said Mrs Turia. "Their decision sends a signal of hope that fairness and justice can prevail in Aotearoa."

"The iwi have waited around 140 years for this day. There is probably no more significant piece of land in the country, when you consider the history.

"The land destined for return is only a small part of what was confiscated. The Council's recommendation does not return the whole of the block where the first shots were fired in what became the Land Wars, because some parts have been set aside as reserves, and the iwi have generously agreed to leave those lands in the Council's hands.

"The iwi have also given the leaseholders clear assurances that their rights will be protected, and they will discuss the possibility of freeholding the land. I hope they can enter into negotiations in good heart," said Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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