Education trust under fire over Wairarapa farm

New Zealand First wants the Minister of Maori Development to stop the Maori Education Trust selling a Wairarapa farm.

Maori Affairs spokesperson Pita Paraone says the 320-hectare farm was gifted by the late Edward Holmes in the 1960s for the education of Wairarapa Maori.

He says it is now up for sale to pay for losses incurred by the trust in questionable business activities

Mr Paraone says Te Ururoa Flavell should seek an injunction to stop the sale, which is expected to bring in more than $8 million.

Ngati Kahungunu ki Wairarapa is keen to acquire the farm as part of its treaty settlement.

Members of the iwi are now occupying part of the farm in protest.
 

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