Listen Now: 
Download AudioThe Environment Court Acknowledges has ruled in favour of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. In a judgement released on the 4th of July, the court ruled on a matter involving the Westhaven Marina. According to a press release the Iwi said “The Court recognised the dominance of the iwi’s relationship to the whenua and wai at Westhaven over iwi involved in the court process – Ngāti Maru, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Te Ākitai Waiōhua, Te Patukirikiri, and Ngaati Whanaunga. Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Deputy Chair and iwi historian Ngarimu Blair said he was grateful to have further acknowledgement for a situation that was obvious to not only the iwi, but to most who live in Central Auckland and understand the history of Tāmaki Makaurau: “While it has been incredibly disappointing and frustrating to have to seek the acknowledgement of the courts, a process that requires significant resources and time, this is the system we have to work with. We hope this outcome stops a process which benefits no one, other than those who are claiming a say in the rohe of other iwi.”
The Court acknowledged the connection of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei to Westhaven through take raupatu, take tupuna, take tuku whenua, and ahi kā – the pillars that uphold mana whenua for all iwi and hapū.
RELATED NEWS
