September 11, 2012
Ngati Toa offered say in buckle st bones
Taranaki Whanui representatives have told a select committee to take references to Ngati Toa out of the bill that will fast track construction of the new $80 million National War Memorial Park in Wellington.
The bill says if any koiwi tangata or human remains are found when a trench is built for Buckle St, Ngati Toa would be called in along with the Wellington Tenths and the Port Nicholson Settlement Trust.
Liz Mellish from the trusts says Ngati Toa does not have sufficient standing in the area, known as Pukeahu, to justify its inclusion.
The bill also lacks any reference to the Treaty of Waitangi.
The Waitangi Tribunal has already criticised Crown officials for offering Porirua-based Ngati Toa iconic properties in central Wellington, despite earlier promising the Port Nicholson claimants it would not do so.