March 29, 2021
Rocket Lab gates irk landowners
The Greens’ Māori caucus says a two gate system into Rocket Lab’s Mahia launch site creates a feeling of segregation among the land’s Māori owners.
Security and Intelligence spokesperson Teanau Tuiono and Gisborne-based MP Elizabeth Kerekere met yesterday with Rongomaiwahine descendants concerned about the company’s activities.
Mr Tuiono says it appears shareholders in the land have been given very little information, and they have not seen the contract with Rocket Lab.
They want an inquiry into the Government’s space policy and how that affects the treaty partner.
He says Rocket Lab employees enter the whenua through a password-controlled electric gate, while Māori must go through a standard farm gate on a bumpy, gravel road which eventually meets the nicely sealed Rocket Lab road.
The MPs also support a call for independent cultural and environmental impact assessments on what whānau say is the loss of bird life and kaimoana in the area because of the launches.
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