August 05, 2019
Kiingitanga sets stage for more Ihumātao talks
A Kiingitanga spokesperson says a lot of talking is still needed to find a resolution to the stand off at Ihumātao.
The Kiingitanga stepped in at the weekend, with Kiingi Tuheitia visiting the occupation site where supporters of the Save Our Unique Landscape group are blocking a Fletcher development of 480 homes.
Rahui Papa says Ihumātao is of major significance to Waikato Tainui as the first occupation site of Hape and others who arrived on the Tainui, the place Potatau Te Wherowhero was living when he was first offered the role of Māori king, and a place tied up with the confiscations of 1863.
He says the king was there to listen to all sides and promote unity, which was needed before going back to the crown, the council or the company with any proposal.
"So there is no predetermined pathway forward for this land. It may be that it is housing. It may be that it is a reserve. It may be some other option that will be talked about in a series of kaupapa hui but I totally agree that it should be those ones that the lands were confiscated from, they should have the say determining the future of those whenua," Mr Papa says.
Soul supporters have called for a day of action round the country today involving actions against Fletcher businesses.
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