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The Department of Conservation has called for submissions on a plan to transfer 40 hectares of historically significant land in Mercer to Waikato-Tainui.
Regional manager Michelle Lewis says Te Paina is a Crown-owned reserve managed by Waikato District Council.
Waikato-Tainui says it should be turned to the iwi and its hapu Ngāti Naho and Ngāti Tamaoho because it is intrinsically linked to their historical tribal narrative and features prominently in major events over many generations.
This includes the wars of the 1860s and raupatu through to the relocation of whānau from Te Paina to Ngāruawāhia to establish Tūrangawaewae marae more than 100 years ago.
It was also a centre of passive resistance against conscription during World War 1.
The council has recommended its appointment to control and manage Te Paina be revoked, and it is returned to Waikato-Tainui.
Submissions close on August 8.
To make a submission go to www.doc.govt.nz/te-paina-vesting
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