December 02, 2013
Landcorp ignores claim in farm sale
A Bay of Plenty iwi is challenging Landcorp’s attempt to sell a farm out from under its treaty claim.
Mita Ririnui, the chair of Te Runanga o Ngati Whakahemo, says the iwi intends to put in a tender for the 400 hectare block at Pukehina, which includes five dairy units.
But he says it’s more likely to go to foreign buyers who can pay a premium.
Mr Ririnui says the land was taken in the 1920s under the Public Works Act but was never used for public works.
He says the Crown’s continued occupation of the land has been challenged by four generations of Ngati Whakahemo, but the Office of Treaty Settlements is now telling the iwi their claim was settled along with the Te Arawa land claims.
The iwi is seeking an urgent hearing from the Waitangi Tribunal, and it is also considering High Court and direct action.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd