Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga
MP for Maungakiekie
24 July 2014
Media Statement
One Tree Hill re-planting within reach
The re-planting of Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill is within reach after today, as Parliament passed the third reading of the
Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Collective Settlement Bill, Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie said.
The Bill will give effect to the deed of settlement signed between the Crown and the Tāmaki Collective. It recognises
the interests of Auckland iwi and hapū in specific maunga (volcanic cones), motu (islands) and lands, including
Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill.
“The Auckland Council has previously said there would be no re-planting before Māori interests in Maungakiekie/One Tree
Hill are resolved,” Mr Lotu-Iiga said. “This bill recognises and addresses those interests and allows Māori, the Crown
and the people of Maungakiekie to look forward.”
Treaty settlements in the Auckland region were stalled under the previous Labour government, meaning that the issue of
re-planting could not be progressed.
“Under the Bill, a new Maunga Authority, consisting of iwi and Council representatives, will govern Auckland’s iconic
maunga for the benefit of Māori and all the people of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland,” Mr Lotu-Iiga said.
“It is up to the Authority to make the decision about re-planting Maungakiekie/One Tree Hill. My feeling is that both
iwi and Council are in a positive place to make this happen.”
“Today is an important day for all New Zealand, and our local community,” he said.
This morning Mr Lotu-Iiga hosted over 20 young leaders from One Tree Hill College with their Principal Mr Nick Coughlan.
“They were all fresh faced, young and reflected the face of Tāmaki Makaurau, with Māori, Pākehā, Pacific, Asian and
other ethnicities,” Mr Lotu-Iiga said.
“Like me these young people were are aware of the history of their home. We will never forget our history, particularly
our Māori tradition and the injustices that went with that history. However, in remembering those that have gone before
us, we can anticipate our future and that was seen in those children of One Tree Hill College who were at Parliament
today.”