April 17, 2020
Ihumatao marae struggle extended
Makaurau Marae has extended nominations for new trust elections until May 1 because of the restrictions around the COVID-19 lockdown.
The returning officer says if a candidate’s nominators reside outside of their bubble, separate nomination papers may be downloaded and submitted to the Returning Office, as long as all parts of the nomination are received before the deadline.
The contest is critical in terms of leadership within Ihumātao, which has come under strain because of the occupation of land next to the village.
The actions of previous trustees in negotiating a deal with Fletcher Residential which would have returned land and secured the chance for iwi members to buy homes in the proposed special housing area led to challenges to the marae trust and the appointment of an interim trust chaired by Sir Wira Gardiner.
Voting is restricted to people who whakapapa to 37 named tupuna.
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