March 15, 2016
Solid Energy sell-off angers tribe
In what could be a major test of its treaty settlement legislation, Waikato Tainui is seeking a judicial review of Solid Energy’s efforts to sell rural properties on the outskirts of Huntly.
Rahui Papa, the chair of the tribe’s Te Arataura executive, says two of the blocks were subject to the right of first refusal provisions of both the 1995 Waikato Raupatu Claims Settlement Act and the 2010 Waikato River Settlement Act.
They should have been formally offered to the tribe, which has confirmed its interest in buying them.
Talks with Solid Energy and the Crown to resolve the issue have been unsuccessful and a statement of claim will be filed today.
Mr Papa says the court will be asked to invalidate the decisions made by Solid Energy, direct the properties be immediately removed from the open market, and require the company to adhere to the legislative process by offering them to Waikato-Tainui at a price based on independent market valuation.
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