May 02, 2018
Church weighs righting Tauranga land grab
Taurangamona iwi are in talks with the Anglican church over the return of land in the city centre held by the church for almost two centuries.
Historian Buddy Mikaere says it’s part of a block the Church Missionary Society acquired in the 1830s, promising to reserve some of the land for the benefit of the local iwi.
But after the wars of the 1860s it succumbed to pressure from the crown to make the land available for European settlers.
Mr Mikaere says elements in the church now want to make amends.
"Back in 1987 there was an occupation of the old Tauranga town hall and library and people went to jail over that. That was really the start of the protest about that land. Some of those people who have been in jail have been at the forefront of working with the church so lots of kudos," he says.
The church is expected to make its decision next week.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com