Press Release Issued By Otaraua Hapu 2.45pm 24 March 2009

Otaraua Hapu continue their ongoing Peaceful Occupation

The events of Sunday 22nd and Monday 23rd March has strengthened the resolve of Otaraua Hapu especially in light of the strong support received by their kaumatua.

“It is important we maintain our position that we will not leave while our waahi tapu remains under threat”, comments kuia Alice Doorbar.

“Our tupuna who inhabited this pa understood the meaning of loss and we have over decades witnessed the ongoing encroachment of our waahi tapu all in the name of progress. We are tired of this exploitation of the resource that leaves us with long term environmental damage which all New Zealander’s should be concerned about.”

Today discussions with Greymouth Petroleum have broken down with their refusal to meet the hapu unless the occupation ceased.

Otaraua spokesperson Donna Eriwata is disappointed by the company’s behaviour. “This is an issue about trust and building relationships. We have seen ownership of the oil company’s change and we have always had to invest in building relationships because we are always going to be here. We will not leave this site until they satisfy us face to face that they are willing to work with us to seek a positive outcome.”

The hapu have established a camp at the entrance to the site while they work with their legal representatives to have Tikorangi Pa recognised as a waahi tapu and included in the New Plymouth Council’s District Plan.

“We have been naïve to assume that our interests were covered because the redoubt at the other end of the hill had been recognised as a secondary habitation. It is an issue we had planned to resolve with the Council’s Waahi Tapu Reference Group that has been delayed by nearly two years” explains Otaraua Hapu Chairperson David Doorbar.

“But as all our hapu and iwi know the process requires a lot of resources, and ultimately we don’t control how that information is managed.”

With the likelihood of the occupation continuing the hapu is calling for support from other hapu of Te Atiawa and nga Iwi o Taranaki.

“We believe our issue resonates throughout the province. We are willing to work with the Oil Companies for the betterment of the region’s economy and environment. But we need to be more constructively engaged and have these long term interests recognised not just during the time the resource is being exploited.”

Notice of Intent which we hand out to everyone passing through the gate at the site.

NOTICE OF INTENT

Otaraua Hapu wish to advise that we are occupying the Petrocorp work site on Ngati Maru Road for the sole purposes of protecting the Tikorangi Pa waahi tapu site from sub-surface drilling by Greymouth Petroleum.

In doing so we do not intend to;

- disrupt activity at the Te Kowhai Oil Rig unless that activity relates to the proposed sub-surface drilling of Tikorangi Pa
- act in any way that is disrespectful to the local residents
- Undermine or jeopardize the work of contractors/workers associated to the Te Kowhai Oil Rig.

Otaraua Hapu intends to undertake a peaceful occupation until our issues are dealt with reasonably by Greymouth Petroleum.

We regret any inconvenience this may cause.

Authorised by : Donna Eriwata/David Doorbar, Otaraua Hapu

ENDS

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