Waitara Lands Bill an Opportunity to Establish a Positive Foundation for the Future

The New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Bill has passed its Third Reading in Parliament today providing Waitara hapū Manukōrihi and Otaraua an opportunity to build a positive foundation for the future.

The Bill provides for the return of some land to hapū, the establishment of a joint committee with the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) and the establishment of a joint committee with the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC). Both of these committees will have a role in determining the application of the proceeds from the Waitara leasehold land for the benefit of Waitara (the NPDC committee) and for the benefit of the Waitara River (TRC Committee).

"What will come from this legislation is an important opportunity to establish a positive foundation to build on for the future of our hapū and the people of Waitara. It marks a massive and momentous milestone in a very long journey so far," says Chairperson for Manukōrihi Hapū Patsy Bodger.

Ms Bodger acknowledges the history of the Waitara Lands and the impact that it has had on the hapū.

"Our people have endured so much since 1860. The taking of the land and the negative impact it has had on Manukōrihi hapū as a result has been huge. Waitara is our home, our tūrangawaewae, and confiscation took that from us. It has left a negative mark on generations of Manukōrihi uri, but we are serious in our endeavours towards looking to the future, we hope that through the opportunities that will come from the passing of this bill into law, we can continue to heal some of the pain that has been felt over the generations”.

ENDS

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