Listen Now: 
A group opposing Fletcher Residential’s 480-unit housing development at Ihumatao in Mangere has asked the Waitangi Tribunal for an urgent hearing.
Save Our Unique Landscape, whose founding members whakapapa to Makaurau Marae and to Ngati Te Ahiwaru, says using the Special Housing Area legislation to fast track the development is in breach of the treaty partnership.
The site next to the Otuataua Stonefields Historic Reserve shows evidence of almost 1000 years of occupation.
Lawyer Cameron Hockley says it will be the first time the SHA legislation has been challenged before the tribunal.
The crown has until January 11 to respond to the application.
The tribunal has in recent weeks held urgent inquiries on the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement and the reform of Te Ture Whenua Maori, and it’s considering whether to fast track a claim on how Ngatiwai Trust Board was given a mandate to negotiate the Northland iwi’s treaty settlement.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
