MEDIA STATEMENT

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust

3 June 2015

Statement on First Right of Refusal Process

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has instructed its lawyers to advise the hapū on the legality of the Crown’s intention to dispose of land in Auckland. A special focus is on the Government’s position that this sits outside of the first right of refusal process, as set out in the Nga Mana Whenua o Tamaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has been surprised and disappointed that the Crown did not engage with the hapū directly prior to making its announcement.

Deputy Chairman Ngarimu Blair says “We have taken a keen interest in the Government’s plan for the release of Crown land in Auckland, which it has earmarked for housing purposes.

"We recognise, and are concerned about, the significant shortage of land available for residential houses in the Auckland market.

“We have experience in this area and would like to be part of the solution. We would be happy to evaluate the opportunity at market value.”

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei expects to receive its legal advice shortly. In the meantime the hapū will not make any further comment.

ENDS

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