January 18, 2016
Port Nicholson puts case for Shelly Bay sale
Port Nicholson Settlement Trust starts a round of hui this week to explain to Taranaki Whanui members why it needs to sell its largest asset.
The proposed sale of the former defence base at Shelly Bay prompted a brief occupation on the weekend.
Former trustee Catherine Love told Radio New Zealand the trust needed to look at more community-friendly and socially responsible development options.
"To sell this land to private developers and overseas interests would be something that our mokopuna would rightfully not forgive us for," she said.
But she did not explain why the land could not be developed while she was on the board of the trust subsidiary that owns it.
In an information paper for members, Chief Executive Jason Fox said the land was bought from the crown in 2009 for development and was not a cultural redress property, papakainga or waahi tapu.
On that basis the trust’s new commercial board, Taranaki Whanui Ltd, recommended it be sold, which was accepted unanimously by the trust.
The land represents almost 60 percent of the trust’s total wealth but now returns less than 2 percent after years of losses.
The trust doesn’t have the resources to develop the challenging site itself, but the deal on the table with The Wellington Company will give it a share of the development profits and other incentives.
These include first right of purchase to all residential and commercial property, co-operation on contract opportunities and respect for the iwi’s names and cultural attachment.
Mr Fox said three companies were invited to submit proposals, and The Wellington Company was the only one to put a real offer on the table.
Voting has opened on the proposal through Elections.com.
The first consultation hui will be held at 6pm on Wednesday 20 January at the Copthorne Hotel, New Plymouth.
The other hui are at Waiwhetu Marae in Lower Hutt the following Wednesday, and Pipitea Marae on Thursday January 28.
The results of the vote will be announced at a special general meeting at Pipitea on February 9.
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