‘hallowed ground’
resistance from golfers and other locals who oppose commercial development of the historic site should not undergo commercial development, impeding stunning views of the Bay of Islands. Golfers spoken to were concerned that the buildings would obstruct the view, and course fees would go up. But one said the venture would ‘‘probably be good for the community and the golf club’’. Lydia Winiana of Waitangi said she thought the estate had enough buildings on it. ‘‘This place, Waitangi, is beautiful – everything we have should be protected,’’ she argued. ‘‘I reckon they shouldn’t build on it.’’ Trust chief executive Greg McManus said the organisation was working with Far North Holdings to help develop the concept and promote it to potential investors sometime in the future. ‘‘At this stage all we have is a concept for a new hotel on the estate,’’ McManus said. ‘‘We have a concept of a site but it is all very high-level and nothing is confirmed.’’
The amount of land required would depend on the requirements of any potential investor, McManus said.
The trust’s deed requires it to look after the Treaty Grounds, ensuring their upkeep for future generations. McManus insisted that meant the trust was free to lease any of its land to anyone it chose to and for any purpose, commercial or otherwise.
‘‘We already have a number of commercial leases on the estate, including the Copthorne,’’ he said. ‘‘Another hotel on the estate is absolutely GETTY (MAIN IMAGE); STUFF in keeping with the Trust Deed and with Lord Bledisloe’s wishes that the trust engage in commercial activity to cover the costs of maintaining the Treaty Grounds without the need for public funding.
‘‘When and if a proposal comes forward from an investor we will of course embark on a resource consent process which will enable all interested parties to have their say. Until then it is nothing more than a concept and I can categorically state there are no investors engaged.’’
Regional Development Minister Shane Jones, who is from Northland and first made his name protecting on the Treaty Grounds as a young activist, said he generally supported development.
‘‘But I amacutely aware that the Waitangi Estate is akin to hallowed ground.
‘‘The concept is not something I as a minister have been approached with, so I’m talking first as a NZ First MP and a full-blooded Northlander because the Crown doesn’t own the site,’’ Jones said.
‘‘My first reaction is not to diss the concept – but these kinds of development work best when you take the broader community with you.’’
Far North Holdings is the district council’s commercial trading arm, tasked with managing assets on behalf of ratepayers. One of its remits is to offer its knowledge to promote investment and employment in the area for community benefit and local businesses.
Spokesman Peter Heath said Far North Holdings was using its ‘‘in-house expertise and the commercial acumen of its staff’’ to advise and assist Waitangi Ltd with various aspects of planning and marketing for the proposal.