Ihumatao land deal looking likely soon

WELLINGTON: Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern has refused to discuss reports of a potential loan of about $40 million for Auckland Council to buy the land at Ihumatao.

The Maori King’s flag was lowered at the site near Auckland Airport last Thursday, sparking suggestions an announcement of a deal was imminent.

This week speculation has reemerged the Government could lend money to the council to buy the land, highly regarded for its cultural and heritage values.

Ms Ardern refused to confirm or deny the various proposals were discussed during a Cabinet meeting yesterday, but added ‘‘nothing was rejected by Cabinet’’.

When asked if there would be an announcement before Waitangi Day she said they did not have a date yet.

‘‘We are working incredibly hard finding a resolution . . . one that acknowledges it is in private ownership with Fletcher’s, one that works for mana whenua, and one that works for all New Zealanders and future generations.’’

The Kangitanga has been leading talks on behalf of mana whenua — including Save Our Unique Landscape (Soul), Te Kawerau a Maki and Makaurau Marae — with the Government and Auckland Council since August. Kangitanga spokeswoman Rukumoana Schaafhausen said the lowering of the flag signified they were happy with the negotiations process, and that an announcement would come before Waitangi Day.

In November, Heritage New Zealand proposed including the disputed land at Ihumatao in the Atuataua Stonefields heritage area and increasing its status from Category 2 to Category 1 — the highest level.

Fletchers was reportedly seeking $40 million for the property, more than double the $19 million it paid in 2014. — The New Zealand Herald