January 23, 2020
Ihumatao heritage high in deal landscape
Click here for the full interview.
Increased recognition of heritage values may be the path towards resolution of the Ihumātao sign off.
All parties are indicating a settlement is near leading to the end of the occupation of land occupied to prevent development by Fletcher Building.
Auckland mayor Phil Goff says it has taken six months of discussion between government officials and Kiingitanga, representing mana whenua, with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and himself also having many conversations about progress.
He says everyone was looking for a solution that contributes to community well being and harmony.
"Ihumātao is important because it is probably the first area of inhabitation in the whole of Tāmaki Makaurau and it has a historic and also a cultural significance as well as the stonefields area, Ōtuataua, which has geological importance, and we want to find a solution to this," Mr Goff says.
Aspects of the solution, which will cover not just ownership but the use and governance of the land, will need to be cleared by the full Auckland Council.
Copyright © 2020, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com