October 17, 2013
Whangarei hapu detail land grabs
The Waitangi Tribunal has been hearing how land was chipped away from the ownership of Whangarei hapu right up to the 1970s.
The tribunal has been in Whangarei this week hearing evidence from Nga Hapu o Whangarei claimants as part of the wider Te Paparahi o Te Raki claims.
Guy Gudex from Patuharakeke says lands were systematically "alienated'' by the Crown for sale to Pakeha farmers or through the Public Works Act, so the hapu now has opnly about 60 hectares left.
He says Maori blocks would be declared as being unproductive and sold to neighbouring farmers, rather than any support being given so they could retain and farm their land.
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