February 27, 2015
Port comapny acknowledges Ngati Manu mana
Bay of Islands hapu Ngati Manu has signed an agreement with council-owned Far North Holdings Ltd aimed at protecting Opua waterways and the Taumarere River.
Spokesperson Arapeta Hamilton says the wrongful taking of land at Opua has been a source of grievance for the hapu since the 1830s and is now being considered by the Waitangi Tribunal.
He says it’s the first time Far North Holdings as acknowledged the mana whenua and mana moana status of Ngati Manu.
He says as well as increased consultation, the company has committed to assist the hapu with educational initiatives.
Mr Hamilton says the current agreement goes back to 1989 when the late Sir James Henare unveiled a pou at Opua to protest the lack of consultation and remind future generations of the hapu’s customary rights in the area
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