Auckland Council were met by hundreds of Ihumātao locals today to present a petition requesting for the council to put a hold on their development plans in their backyard.
The developments at Ōtuataua Stonefields in a rural part of Māngere is looking at building 480 homes in the area, but the local Māori community are concerned that the heritage qualities will be threatened.
A vibrant reception by a contingent from Ihumātao inside the Council Chambers as they presented their petition to the Mayor.
This issue arose after locals realised that a property at Ōruarangi Rd in Ihumātao had been designated a special housing area, despite having no input into that decision.
Local Mere Oki Edwards says, “We were never ever consulted and yet we're the iwi from around there. We're the beneficiaries to our marae. We weren't consulted.”
Cameron Hockly says, “It's wrong because for these people it's sacred land. I think this is an issue for the Waitangi Tribunal.”
Marama Davidson says, “It's an important issue for Te Waiōhua and for all communities. It's about having a voice and acknowledging the owners of the land.”
The challenge has been laid and now it's up to the Mayor and his Councillors to discuss where to from here. He's adamant there will be no solution today.