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North Shore City Mayor welcomes dialogue
North Shore City Mayor welcomes dialogue
In a Chief to Chief move, North Shore City Mayor George Wood is inviting Ngāti Whātua Rangatira (chief) Sir Hugh Kawharu to meet and discuss the proposed Treaty settlement unveiled late last week.
Mr Wood has welcomed the agreement in principle signed by the Government and Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei Maori Trust Board, chaired by Sir Hugh, on a comprehensive settlement of historical claims including land currently occupied by Naval housing within North Shore City (Te Raki Pae Whenua).
“This agreement is a recognition by the Crown of the historical grievances endured by Ngāti Whātua for some 166 years. I hope the settlement will set solid foundations for the iwi to build a bright future for its tangata (people),” Mr Wood says.
The Government is encouraging councils, including North Shore City, to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOU) with Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei to establish formal relationships between the iwi and local authorities.
George Wood will sponsor the development of a MOU between his council and the iwi. The third-term mayor will contact Sir Hugh Kawharu this week to extend the formal invitation.
North Shore City Council signed an MOU with the Navy last year.
Background:
o The Crown and Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei will now work towards a detailed Deed of Settlement, which will be subject to ratification by all members of Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei
o The Naval housing portfolio totals 33ha in 10 discreet blocks from Northcote to Devonport, and provide homes for personnel from the Devonport Naval Base. It is at: Alamein/Montgomery Ave; Beresford St; Birchfield Rd/Francis St; Corrella Rd/Egremont St; Potter Ave/Ko St/Greenslade Cres; Hillary Cres/Eversleigh Rd/Lowe St/Rutherford St; Marsden St; Roberts Ave/Plymouth Cres; Tennyson Ave; Wakakura Cres/Ngataringa Rd.
o Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei will have the ability to purchase some of the land (up to a value of $80 million) beneath the housing. The New Zealand Defence Force will continue to own the houses and improvements.
o Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei will lease this land back to the Crown. Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei will provide the Crown with a rental holiday for up to 35 years, thereby reducing the upfront cost to Ngāti Whātua o Ōrākei.
o The lease will be negotiated following the signing of the Agreement in Principle. The New Zealand Defence Force will be involved in those negotiations.
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