Māori Party shocked by racist reaction to use of Ōkahu Bay

The Māori Party is pleased to see that Ngāti Whātua’s annual celebration of its tamariki at Ōkahu Bay was enjoyed by whānau this weekend despite some of the public reaction.

“The anger expressed over the closing of Ōkahu Bay for one day of the year so Ngāti Whātua can celebrate its tamariki on its own land is appalling,” says Māori Party Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell.

The popular beach on Auckland’s waterfront is part of a 48 hectare “Whenua Rangatira” block owned by Ngāti Whātua which includes the reserve behind the beach where the tribe once lived and Bastion Point (Takaparawhā) above the bay.

Since 1991, the area has been managed jointly by the tribe and Auckland Council through the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Reserves Board.

“Ngāti Whātua has given so much to the city of Auckland, including sharing Ōkahumatamomoe Bay with all residents every other day of the year.

“To see the backlash from locals who begrudge the tribe having one day a year to celebrate their children at the bay is a sobering reminder of how deep-seated racism is in this country,” says Mr Flavell.

Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox says aside from Ngāti Whātua’s traditional relationship with Ōkahu, they also have a legal right under the Reserves Act to request exclusive use of a public area.

“No one bats an eyelid when sporting events and other community groups close off a reserve for a day to use for a private purpose.

“So it’s galling that some members of the public apply such a blatant double-standard to iwi,” says Mrs Fox.

“We congratulate Ngāti Whātua for holding such a positive day for their whānau and we hope if they choose to hold it at Ōkahu Bay again they don’t have to put up with the prejudiced reaction they did this year.”

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