Media Statement 19 December 2008

Port Nicholson BC to take up Shelly Bay purchase option

For immediate use

The Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust is to purchase properties at Shelly Bay as part of the settlement of Treaty of Waitangi claims over the Port Nicholson block.

The former RNZAF site at Shelly Bay is just one of a number of properties that have been offered back to Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika as part of a settlement reached with the Crown in August to settle historical treaty claims.

Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika is a collective that comprises people from Taranaki iwi – Te Atiawa, Taranaki, Ngati Ruanui and Ngati Tama whose ancestors migrated to Wellington in the 1820s and 30s and signed the Port Nicholson Block Deed of Purchase in 1839.

Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust Chairman, Professor Ngatata Love, said he appreciated that there had been much public interest in what might happen with Shelly Bay.

“After a long valuation and negotiation process the Port Nicholson Block Settlement trustees have this week agreed to purchase Shelly Bay properties,” Professor Love said.

“As we stated earlier in the year Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika will work with all relevant communities so that, over time, everyone in the greater Wellington region will benefit from this settlement.”

He said there are no immediate plans to develop Shelly Bay and all options will be considered in due course.

Professor Love noted out that it had taken 21 years to settle over 168 years of grievance and that any plans for Shelly Bay would not be rushed.

ENDS

© Scoop Media