1 Aug 2019

Protesters 'overwhelmed' Māori King will visit Ihumātao

From Morning Report, 6:43 am on 1 August 2019

Protesters blocking access to a Fletcher Building site at Ihumātao say news that the Māori King will visit the South Auckland site is overwhelming.

The project is being supported by the iwi authority and the Kīngitanga.

Under the deal Fletchers is returning eight hectares to local Māori.

On Wednesday night, King Tūheitia said he will go to Ihumātao to listen, and help find a resolution.

Haki Wilson represents people who live at Ihumātao and told RNZ Māori news correspondent Leigh-Marama McLachlan it's a significant development.

On Wednesday Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta and Pania Newton - the leader of the group which has been occupying Ihumātao for years - met to discuss ways to resolve the dispute.

Ms Newton wouldn't give details but described the meeting as "a positive and constructive hui," and says they will be meeting again.