7 Oct 2014

Tribunal told more homes destroyed

7:05 am on 7 October 2014

The Waitangi Tribunal has been given evidence of more homes being destroyed during Government clearances in Northland in the 1960s and 70s.

The Tribunal was told the Government destroyed about 18 homes at Pipiwai - west of Whangarei - when it amalgamated Maori titles to create bigger farming blocks.

But supplementary evidence by lawyers for Ngati Hine details the demolition of 26 homes or sheds.

The evidence says the 26 buildings were destroyed just prior to or during the Government scheme. It says many homes which were destroyed were basic, but liveable.

Kaikorero says if you left your house to go to work in town during the scheme your house would be knocked down.

The claimants say homes were destroyed, lands were taken, land shares were swapped or deemed uneconomic and animals were claimed by the Government.

[image: 21191]Ngati Hine claimants at the Waitangi Tribunal hearing earlier this year.

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