Council contribution owed for Ihumātao resolution

A Māori historian says Auckland Council, the Government and Fletcher Residential all need to contribute something to resolving the Ihumātao stand-off.

The Government has so far appeared unmoved by a call from Kiingi Tuheitia that it buy the land from Fletcher Residential and return it to mana whenua.

Rawiri Taonui from Auckland University of Technology says the company told Auckland Council in 2013 it wanted to build on the land, but it did not approach Makaurau Marae until 15 months later, when it already had sign off from the council and the National Government.

One solution could be a swap with other crown or council land, or it could be purchased by the crown and council – despite mayor Phil Goff saying the council can't afford to contribute.

"The council has a plan for the acquisition and development of public spaces, reserves and parks of $1.18 billion over 10 years. If they can find somewhere in there to make a contribution of $10 million to $15 million alongside the crown and say Fletchers sells it for less than its market value, then that is the second option for achieving a resolution," Dr Taonui says.

He says the council approved the land for development over the objection of the Māngere Local Board and the advice of officials who said it should consult with mana whenua.

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