October 11, 2013
Local government actions critical
A treaty lawyer says iwi should never overlook the influence local authorities will have on their treaty settlement.
Willie Te Aho says this week’s hearing of Te Uri o Hau’s application for a district plan change is a graphic example of what can go wrong.
The Ngati Whatua hapu has been fighting for a decade to develop land south of Mangawhai it bought as part of its treaty settlement.
It has faced obstacles from government departments, environmental groups and from the local authority which has the final say in how the land can be used.
Mr Te Aho says it’s the reality of being a minority.
"We may reach a settlement with the crown but the group that has the day to day effect on our lives is actually the local government. That is a reality of life. What you need to do through the settlement is make the reality a lot easier," he says.
Willie Te Aho says there are steps that can be taken, such as making sure settlement land is not rateable until it is developed.
Voting for local government elections closes at noon tomorrow, and people will need to deliver any remaining ballots to their local council offices or libraries for their votes to count.
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