Waitangi Tribunal Report On Claims Concerning Public Works In The Wairarapa Ki Tararua (Wai 863) Inquiry District Released Early

The Waitangi Tribunal has released a pre-publication version of its chapter on the Treaty claims of iwi and hapū in the Wairarapa ki Tararua inquiry district concerning public works issues. The claimants are members of Ngāti Kahungunu and Rangitāne iwi and hapū, and other groups.

The Wairarapa ki Tararua panel is releasing its public works chapter in advance of the main body of its report, to assist claimants and the Crown in negotiations concerning the return of the former Ōkautete School buildings situated near Homewood in the eastern Wairarapa. The Tribunal recommends that having properly given back the Ōkautete School site to the local Māori community, the Crown should also now give them the school buildings and school house located on the site.

The advanced release also highlights the panel’s broader finding that public works legislation should be changed to forbid the compulsory acquisition of Māori land in all but the most extreme situations. The Tribunal encourages the government to heed this finding in its current review of aspects of public works procedures and legislation.

The Tribunal inquiry panel comprises Presiding Officer Judge Carrie Wainwright, Professor Wharehuia Milroy, Dr Ranganui Walker and Dame Margaret Bazley. This panel heard public works claims in the district covering an area from the Manawatū Gorge to the South Wairarapa coast, up to just north of Norsewood and down the Ruahine Ranges to the Gorge.

The Wairarapa ki Tararua Tribunal expects to complete its main report in December 2009.

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