More than 200 descendants of Ngai Te Rangi and other Tauranga iwi gathered on the Tauranga side of the boundary at the Athenree rest area this morning, to assert their ahi kaa over the Tauranga Moana area.
Organiser Meremaihi Aloua says this is a peaceful protest where host hapu Tamawhariua, Pirirakau and Tauwhao are giving korero of the history of the area.
'Puketuke specifically is of enormous significance to us. We have held ahi kaa over this area for generations. This is not a new battle. But this is our turn now. This area is of huge significance to us.”
She says this protest is the beginning, and if the minister of Treaty Negotiations Andrew Little signs the Hauraki deal, "he will be taking Tauranga iwi to war".
'Tikanga must happen before the signing, not after the signing as the minister is proposing. Our calls for tikanga are being declined so we have no option but to take these measures now.
"This Athenree protest signals iwi in Tauranga are gearing up for long term protests."
6 comments
Why bother?
Posted on 06-06-2018 09:59 | By jed
It is a complete waste of energy battling over historical land disputes when you could actually be doing something productive or getting an education!
Great place for a rubbish fire
Posted on 06-06-2018 11:31 | By Centurion
and I trust the organisers cleaned up all the rusted nails left in the rest area from the burned pallets.
Reason
Posted on 06-06-2018 12:01 | By Capt_Kaveman
why the whole thing should be thrown away and burnt, TOW is nothing but a joke move on get a life
In fighting
Posted on 06-06-2018 13:04 | By maildrop
Just goes on and on and on. Zzzzzzzzzzz
MORE
Posted on 06-06-2018 15:21 | By Laurie
than 200 people who have no jobs or in some cases - looking at the age of them - no school to go to!!
again
Posted on 06-06-2018 17:09 | By dumbkof2
rent a mob in action again
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.