A Landmark Shift: The Push to Return Stolen Māori Land
In New Plymouth, a significant conversation is unfolding regarding the future of land taken under the Public Works Act. At the heart of this issue is the Mangati E block, a 33-hectare parcel currently under the control of the New Plymouth District Council. For the Puketapu hapū, the return of this land is not merely a matter of property—it is a matter of justice.
The land, originally acquired in 1968 for a sewerage works that has been out of operation since the mid-1980s, is now largely comprised of pasture, coastal vegetation, and disused oxidation ponds. With the Puketapu hapū having sought the return of the land since 2010, the local council is now considering a formal working party to navigate the path forward.
The Mangati E Block as a Model for Reform
Council staff have indicated that the process surrounding Mangati E could serve as a template for handling other Māori land holdings. The council is currently developing the “Whenua Interests Framework,” an initiative designed to address its broader portfolio of Māori land. By using the Mangati E case as a test study, the district aims to resolve long-standing questions of ownership and stewardship.
The Mangati E block is not an isolated case. Similar discussions are occurring in other regions, such as Gisborne, where councils are evaluating the return of land to local hapū and the broader implications for regional governance.
Navigating Legal and Environmental Hurdles
The road to returning the land involves complex legal and environmental considerations. New Plymouth District Council interim chief executive Steve Ruru has pointed to the Public Works Act, which necessitates an assessment of public access and potential contamination issues within the disused oxidation ponds. These steps are deemed essential for identifying any residual responsibilities the council may hold before the land is transferred.
However, representatives for the hapū have pushed back against an emphasis on obstacles. Kaumātua Peter Moeahu has argued that the focus should remain on the principle of returning land that was taken but never paid for. “We will accommodate the public where we can,” Moeahu noted during a recent committee meeting. “But remember this: it’s our stolen land, not the council’s and not the public’s—ours.”
The Principle of Restitution
The urgency of these discussions is echoed by members of Te Huinga Taumatua, the council’s iwi liaison committee. Te Kāhui o Taranaki representative Jacqui King emphasizes that when land is determined to be surplus under the Public Works Act, there is an obligation to return it within a reasonable timeframe. “The principle should take priority here,” King stated. “We have determined that the land was taken unjustly, so the obligation should rest on us to return it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Mangati E block? It is a 33-hectare block of land near New Plymouth that was taken in 1968 for a sewerage project that is no longer in use.
- Why is the land being considered for return? The Puketapu hapū has requested the return of the land, asserting it was taken unjustly and is no longer required for its original public purpose.
- What is the Whenua Interests Framework? It is a new inquiry by the New Plymouth District Council aimed at reviewing its holdings of Māori land and establishing a consistent model for future decisions.
- Are there environmental concerns? Yes, the council must assess the site for potential contamination related to the historical use of oxidation ponds on the property.
What are your thoughts on how local councils should handle land restitution? Join the conversation in the comments section below or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on regional policy and community development.
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