Housing Minister Nick Smith should revoke the approval for parts of a new Special Housing Area in Auckland which some local iwi say is unacceptably close to waahi tapu, the Green Party said.
“Auckland Council have given the go ahead for houses to be built despite serious local concerns about the land being close to waahi tapu,” Green Party Co-Leader Metiria Tūrei said today.
“This land is not critical to Auckland’s housing needs, and has significant cultural heritage value.
“The drive to resolve the housing crisis doesn’t require the demolition of waahi tapu.
“The Save Our Unique Land campaign based in Ihumatao, Māngere have done a great job of ensuring that their concerns are heard. Now the Government needs to listen.
“The Government’s legislation has locked this community out of the decision making process. Tangata whenua have done everything they can do to have their voice heard.
“Pressure from the Government should not over ride local concerns about the heritage values of this site.
“Nick Smith could demonstrate a real commitment to te Tiriti and to the community by not pursuing this land when other more appropriate areas are available
“This development should not go ahead till the land dispute is resolved.
“Nick Smith can intervene and fix this situation,” Mrs Tūrei said.
