Bill could be a game-changer

The proposed (NPDC) Waitara Lands Bill is far from perfect. In fact, it has been criticised by both mana whenua and the Waitara leaseholders. However, politics is about pragmatic compromise, and this bill – which is tantalising close to being passed in parliament – could still potentially release the economic handbrake that has been holding Waitara back, and enable 780 leaseholders to freehold their land.

Such progress would be a game-changer for Waitara and smooth Pakeha-Maori relations. This, of course, is predicated on the affected parties manifesting considerable aroha plus a willingness to make sacrifices.

I was encouraged by Tiri Porter’s column (a Ma¯ ori perspective) in the TDN (Oct 24, Seeking a just way forward) that ‘‘mana whenua will need to exercise bravery and wisdom before deciding to accept, amend or decline the proposed bill.’’ According to him many Ma¯ ori are praying about this.

By contrast, Waitara leaseholder Bill Simpson (and I’m not implying he’s being selfish or obstructionist) is outraged by the unfair cost of having to buy his leasehold land at today’s values, especially when leaseholders in 1992 were promised, by the-then council, that they would be able to freehold their land.

In 1992 it would have typically cost around $8000, whereas today it would cost around $85,000. Surely the NPDC can deal with every case on its merits, especially if elderly leaseholders are affected. This is no reason to say no deal.

Let’s all wish the key parties the very best as they negotiate and thrash out the final details of this bill, which when passed will be hugely ameliorative to Waitara and New Zealand.

Bryan Vickery, New Plymouth