Race track change could spur treaty action

Peter Verschaffelt Race track change could spur treaty action

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Tauranga Māori are vowing to fight a change of use for the racecourse and golf course at Greerton.

Ngai Tamarawaho kaumatua Buddy Mikaere says the 85 hectare block of confiscated land was not sought during settlement negotiations for Taurangamoana Claims because it was being used by the community.

Tauranga City Council wants to change its recreational reserve zoning so it can be used for housing or a new hospital.

“In order to change the status to something else they could then use for something else there has to be a piece of Government legislation and that’s where our claim comes in because it will be a crown action to change it and we can claim against that crown action as being in breach of our treaty rights,” Mr Mikaere says

He says Tauranga Hospital has plenty of land at its existing location where it can expand.

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