September 23, 2019
Government not rushed by Ihumātao proclamation
The Government is not going to be rushed into action in Ihumātao despite the Māori king's proclamation that mana whenua want the land returned.
National Party leader Simon Bridges is calling for the Prime Minister to rule out any kind of deal and let Fletcher Residential develop its 480 houses on the site, saying the Government's disregard for businesses and property rights was affecting business confidence.
Crown Māori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis says the Government has noted the views of Kiingitanga, but the land is privately owned and any negotiation must be with Fletcher.
The fact the land was confiscated in 1863 does not change the situation.
"We could say that for land all across the country, that at some stage left Māori hands and we accept that is part of our history. Ihumātao is like many other areas across the country. The situation is as it is and we appreciate the Kiingitanga's position," Mr Davis says.
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