Ihumātao: Campaigners confident land will not be developed as talks stall in lockdown

Thursday, 23 April 2020

Campaigners fighting the development of land at Ihumātao say they are confident of victory despite talks stalling because of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Pania Newton, who has led the protest, said a decision had been reached, although the final sign off is yet to be given. The government said it was still working towards a resolution.

Discussion over the fate of the land has been in the works for a long time between the government and Fletchers, as well as campaign group SOUL and its representatives.

SOUL leader Pania Newton said the land at Ihumātao will not be developed

On July 23, members of Save Our Unique Landscape (SOUL) were asked to leave Ihumātao after occupying the land in Māngere, south Auckland, for three years.

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The Māori Kiingitanga, Tūheitia Paki, then visited the protest site and raised his flag on the land, stating that it would come down only when a resolution had been reached.

Life at Ihumatao is busy during lockdown as they work to feed themselves and the community, while preparing for winter

In January 2020 the flag was removed from the site, sparking rumours that a resolution had been reached.

SOUL leader Pania Newton told Stuff that while a final sign off has been delayed due to coronavirus, an agreement had been reached a while ago.

'What I can say is that the land won't be developed and Fletchers will be compensated for what has gone on here.'

Newton has not heard from the government on the issue in a while, as they are busy dealing with the coronavirus outbreak. The protesters understand the importance and are happy to continue being patient, she said.

While some may not be satisfied with the final agreement, Newton said she was happy with the result.

Talks were left some time ago so they are putting faith in the decision being upheld, she said.

Newton said while this process will come to an end, another one begins with what happens to the land going forward.

Fletchers was approached for comment but said they had no update at this time.

However, in January Fletchers said the residential development at Ihumātao continues to be on hold at the request of the prime minister.

'Discussions with all parties on the future of the site are progressing.'

Finance Minister Grant Roberston said a resolution is still being worked on.

'The Government's focus is on supporting a resolution that respects all parties including the Crown, mana whenua and Fletchers.'

Jacinda Ardern has previously said it would be inappropriate for the Government to intervene as the local iwi, Te Kawerau ā Maki, supported the development.

Fletcher bought the land off private owners the Wallace family in 2016.