March 07, 2013
Taranaki iwi step closer to Ngā Motu
Taranaki Regional Council has voted in favour of handing over New Plymouth's Nga Motu/Sugar Loaf Islands for use in the Taranaki and Te Atiawa settlements.
The agreement was conditional on the island's current conservation, protection and public access status being retained and the future Port Taranaki plans not being prejudiced.
New Plymouth District Council is still considering the plan proposed by the Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson.
The regional council received just eight submissions on the issue, with five in favour and three against the idea.
Taranaki Iwi Trust General Manager Liana Poutu says the transfer would acknowledge the huge historical, cultural and spiritual significance of the islands to the iwi.
The outer islands and part of Moturoa Island are vested in the regional council, while the rest of Moturoa and the inner islands come under the district council.