March 11, 2016
Human chain to protest Ihumatao development
A group fighting to stop a special housing area development near the Mangere stonefields plan to protest on the site this Sunday.
Save Our Unique Landscapes intends to form a massive human chain at Ihumatao as a show of protection and celebration of the land.
Spokesperson Ilmars Gravis says councillors were not given information on the significant cultural, historical, ecological, and geographical importance of Ihumatao before they voted to allows the Fletcher Residential development to go ahead,
He says the developer has failed to provide evidence houses will not be built over the extensive network of urupa in the area.
As well as being a threat to the Ihumatao papakainga, the development will desecrate the Otuataua Historic Stonefields Reserve, threaten Manukau Harbour bird habitats, pollute the river and spell the end of an accessible, beautiful rural landscape, rich in both Maori and European history.
The protest starts 2pm Sunday at 56 Old Ihumatao Quarry Rd, Mangere.
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