Land law gives hapu¯ foundation for future

A Waitara hapu¯ believes a new law to freehold land previously stolen off it by the Crown will provide the group with a foundation for its future.

Last Wednesday, the New Plymouth District Council (Waitara Lands) Bill passed its third reading and once given its royal assent, it will become law.

When this happens, 770 leasehold properties in the town, worth a combined market value of $90 million, can be purchased freehold. The land in question was confiscated in 1865 by the Crown from Te A¯ tiawa and its two hapu¯ Manuko¯rihi and Otaraua. The money from the property sales will then be pumped into a land fund for the hapu¯ and other projects.

Ahead of the third reading, Manuko¯ rihi backed the bill but Otaraua hapu¯ withdrew its support, while preserving the option of entering back in at a later date. Manuko¯rihi hapu¯ chairwoman Patsy Bodger said last week's development was a ‘‘massive and momentous milestone''.

‘‘What will come from this legislation is an important opportunity to establish a positive foundation to build on for the future of our hapu¯ and the people of Waitara.''

She saw the new law as a means for the hapu¯ to recover from the historical trauma wrought on the group as a result of the illegal confiscation of its land more than 150 years ago.

‘‘Our people have endured so much since 1860. The taking of the land and the negative impact it has had on Manuko¯rihi hapu¯ as a result has been huge,'' she said.

‘‘It has left a negative mark on generations of Manuko¯rihi uri (descendants), 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.''

Under the legislative provisions, 44 hectares of land will be gifted to hapu¯ , who also have the option of buying additional sections.

From the forecasted $90m in freehold sales, a $28m fund will be set up to assist hapu¯ to purchase, manage or develop land in Waitara.

About $28m will go towards projects in the town and an additional $34m allocated to Waitara River and other environmental initiatives. Hapu¯ will have co-governance roles on both these committees.