June 03, 2015
Hapu fights for housing stake
Ngati Whatua o Orakei says it wants to be part of any solution to Auckland’s housing problems … and it’s not going to let the Crown squeeze it out again.
Deputy chair Ngarimu Blair says it intends to challenge the legality of Housing Minister Nick Smith’s plan to sell off surplus Crown land for housing without offering it to iwi first, as is required under the Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed.
He says the hapu was surprised and disappointed the Crown did not engage with the hapu directly before making its announcement.
He says Ngati Whatua has experience in building affordable housing and would be happy to evaluate the opportunity at market value.
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