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A Save Our Unique Landscape member says the occupation of Ihumaatao has allowed them to give life to the aspirations of the past.
About 150 whānau members, supporters and former occupiers gathered on the whenua near Auckland Airport this morning to mark the one year anniversary of the mass mobilition against an eviction order from Fletcher Development, which bought the former dairy farm for a 480-home development.
Qiane Matata-Sipu says the reconnection with the whenua has been positive, with māra and native trees planted and the fragile tents of last winter replaced with more weatherproof structures.
"Today is such a different day from this time last year and to see so many beautiful smiling faces reflecting on where they were and what they were doing this time last year, and looking at the surrounding landscape as to who was here in terms of the police and there are no police here and there's no fences up and it's a really beautiful reflection and very beautiful difference," she says.
Qiane Matata-Sipu says SOUL conmtinues to work with the Kiingitanga in looking for a resolution which meets the aspirations that the land be returned to mana whenua.
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