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Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says Ngati Paoa is a step closer to being able to develop land beside the Tamaki River where their ancestors lived.
Parliament last night passed the second reading of a bill that will allow the crown to sell part of the Point England Reserve to the iwi as part of its treaty settlement package.
The bill was opposed by Labour and New Zealand First, who were concerned at the loss of green space in an area where 30,000 extra residents are expected over the next couple of decades.
But Mr Flavell says the area tagged for a 300-unit development is now used for grazing cattle.
"We're not talking about taking over the whole lot. There will still be a reserve available but there is an opportunity here for Ngati Paoa to address their treaty grievance, to address issues with respect to their housing and to provide better resources for the community as a whole so everyone wins," he says.
Because of the political and community concern about the bill, the government agreed to increase the accessible public space, retain the same area of playing fields and spend what it gets from selling the land to enhance the local recreational facilities and environment.
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