‘Government Rides Roughshod Over Iwi, Again’

Dr Pita Sharples, Co-leader, Maori Party

Wednesday 8 November 2006

Member of Parliament for Tamaki Makaurau, Dr Pita Sharples, today asked questions in the House of the Prime Minister, as to the secret dealings of the Labour Government regarding a proposed Stadium Aotearoa.

“There are a number of interested parties who claim an interest in the water-front area on Marsden Wharf between Bledisloe and Captain Cook wharves” said Dr Sharples. “They should have been consulted about this significant proposal”.

“This is another example of the unprincipled actions of the Government in attempting to subvert an Agreement in Principle they have with Ngati Whatua, following Ngati Whatua o Orakei’s treaty claim and settlement” said Dr Sharples.

“It would appear that Ngati Whatua was negotiating in good faith, while it would appear the Government is not”.

“It is the ultimate insult, to be negotiating developments in an area where the mana whenua ancestral footprints remain in the memories and the stories of the people without the people being involved” said Dr Sharples.

“So much for the apology rendered each time a settlement is signed” said Dr Sharples. “This last action reeks of hypocrisy and deceit”.

“Maori will never see this type of behaviour as acceptable” said Dr Sharples.

“There may be other iwi that should also be involved regarding the implications of this development for mana whenua in the rohe, including Ngai Tai; Ngati Paoa; Ngati Haua; Ngati Wai and Ngati te Ata” said Dr Sharples.

“One of the concerns that mana whenua have raised with me, is the aesthetic value of the sea-view” said Dr Sharples. “The proposed Stadium has been referred to as a polluted bedpan, planted right in the middle of the waterfront”.

“Other questions that have been raised are what will the status of the land now be, and will this new Stadium Aotearoa be owned by all New Zealanders?”

“I know that mana whenua throughout Tamaki have been building respectful partnerships with the Auckland five city collective” said Dr Sharples. “This action undermines that initiative”.

Background

Dr Sharples asked the Prime Minister, about the impact of the Aotearoa Stadium on the environment; and the foreshore and seabed, and whether mana whenua had been consulted. His question followed a primary question focused on the Environment, yet following advice from the Speaker, the Prime Minister inferred that Dr Sharples’ questions were not relevant, and therefore no answers were provided.

ENDS

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