May 25, 2018
Ihumatao keeps occupation flame burning
As Ngati Whatua marks the end of the Bastion Point Occupation 40 years ago today, a few kilometres south at Ihumatao tangata whenua are fighting to stop their stolen whenua from being developed.
Save Our Unique Landscape is calling for people to joint them at 2pm tomorrow to march onto the land next to the historic Otuataua Stonefields where Fletcher Residential wants to build hundreds of houses.
Spokesperson Pania Newton says their stand was inspired by past occupations, and they appreciate the support they have received from Bastion Point protest leader Joe Hawke and the Hawke whanau.
She says almost every legal challenge has been exhausted and they are pinning their hopes on people power.
"We’re preparing for this occupation and we have this demonstration coming up on Saturday and we’re hoping for a big turn out so we can remind Fletchers and the Government how important this whenua is, not only to the mana whenua there, the community of Mangere and Otahuhu, but to New Zealand history and our nation really," Ms Newton says.
In addition to the story, Steve Evans, CEO Residential and Land Development, Fletcher Building has this statement :
Fletcher Building’s land is nothing like Bastion Point. This land has been privately owned and heavily cultivated for more than 150 years, has already been covered by a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, and Auckland Council has indicated it does not want it.
The argument being used by detractors is essentially arguing that any privately held land is now able to be renegotiated.
ocal iwi have made it clear to us that SOUL does not represent them and that they support the new neighbourhood we are planning, and we share their disappointment that commentators have not considered the iwi’s voice in this matter.
Similarly, the UN has now indicated it is satisfied that there is no need to adjust the process which Fletcher have undertaken to try and deliver much needed housing on this site in Auckland.
The historic stonefields are already protected by a 100ha park, and we are proud that protection will be further extended with the relinquishment of 25 per cent of Fletcher Building’s land including the area above the existing lava cave.
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