Key Takeaways
- A proposed 66-house subdivision near Lake Whakamaru in Waikato has sparked a land occupation by the local hapū, Ngāti Te Kohera.
- The hapū has concerns about the development, including cultural, environmental, and legal issues, as well as the historical context of how the land fell into private hands.
- The occupation is not just about the proposed development, but also about the broader issues of Māori rights, environmental protection, and the role of the government in addressing these concerns.
- The situation has been marked by respectful interactions at the lake, but also online harassment and personal attacks against the developer, Jonathan Quigley.
- The hapū expects the occupation to continue until they can preserve the land, and are seeking a solution that involves the government and addresses the historical injustices that have led to the current situation.
Introduction to the Land Occupation
The occupation site near the shores of Lake Whakamaru in Waikato has been the focal point of a heated debate over a proposed 66-house subdivision. The local hapū, Ngāti Te Kohera, has been at the forefront of the occupation, citing concerns about the development that go far beyond the immediate proposal. The hapū’s representative, Craig Ahipene, has stated that the issues they are fighting for are deeply rooted in the history of how the land fell into private hands and the way the crown developed the hydro lake. The occupation has sparked a wider conversation about Māori rights, environmental protection, and the role of the government in addressing these concerns.
The Proposed Development and Its Implications
The proposed development, led by Jonathan Quigley, has been the subject of extensive consultation with iwi leaders, who provided feedback that informed the final result. However, despite this consultation, the hapū has expressed concerns about the development, including its potential impact on the environment and the cultural significance of the land. The hapū is particularly concerned about the risk of pollution to the river, which would be a grievous cultural harm to the mana and tapu of their dead ancestors. Quigley has stated that the proposal has been developed with these concerns in mind, including measures to prevent sewage from entering the river and mitigating other environmental concerns. However, local resident Hope Woodward has expressed concerns that the development would be an "environmental experiment" and that the lakeside is not the right place for 66 houses.
The Historical Context of the Land
The hapū’s concerns about the development are deeply rooted in the historical context of how the land fell into private hands. The crown’s development of the hydro lake in the past has had a lasting impact on the hapū, including the flooding of the river and the inability to remove their dead. This has resulted in a deep sense of cultural harm and a desire to protect the land from further development. The hapū’s representative, Craig Ahipene, has stated that the crown’s actions in the past have created the problem, and that the crown needs to be part of the solution. The hapū is seeking a solution that addresses the historical injustices that have led to the current situation and ensures that the land is protected for future generations.
The Occupation and Its Impact
The occupation has been marked by respectful interactions at the lake, but also online harassment and personal attacks against Quigley. The hapū has stated that the occupation is not just about the proposed development, but also about the broader issues of Māori rights and environmental protection. The occupation has had a significant impact on those involved, with many having to sacrifice a lot to be part of the protest. Jacinta Rata, who has been occupying the land since day one, has stated that the occupation is affecting those taking part, but that it is necessary to protect the land. The hapū expects the occupation to continue until they can preserve the land, and are seeking a solution that involves the government and addresses the historical injustices that have led to the current situation.
The Role of the Government
The government’s role in addressing the concerns of the hapū and the broader issues of Māori rights and environmental protection is a critical aspect of the occupation. The hapū’s representative, Craig Ahipene, has expressed concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing these issues, stating that the current government’s attack on the environment and Māori rights is a major concern. The hapū is seeking a solution that involves the government and addresses the historical injustices that have led to the current situation. The government’s response to the occupation and the proposed development will be closely watched, and will have significant implications for the future of the land and the hapū.
Conclusion
The occupation of the land near Lake Whakamaru is a complex and multifaceted issue that goes beyond the immediate proposal for a 66-house subdivision. The hapū’s concerns about the development are deeply rooted in the historical context of how the land fell into private hands and the way the crown developed the hydro lake. The occupation has sparked a wider conversation about Māori rights, environmental protection, and the role of the government in addressing these concerns. The outcome of the proposed development and the occupation will have significant implications for the future of the land and the hapū, and will require a solution that involves the government and addresses the historical injustices that have led to the current situation.