The minister in charge of bringing together a steering group to decide the future of Ihumātao has said it is time to get things moving.
The Kingitanga will decide who is ahi ka - or those who look after the land, as part of the agreement with the government. (file photo) Photo: RNZ
It has been over six months since the deadlock on the disputed land at Ihumātao was broken, with the government purchasing it for just under $30 million.
As part of He Pūmautanga - the agreement - a rōpu whakahaere will be set up - but first the Kingitanga must go through a process of determining who is ahi ka - or those who look after the land.
ACT party member Brooke Van Velden asked Māori Housing Minister Peeni Henare for an update.
"When can we expect the steering committee, consisting of six representatives representing or supporting the Crown or kiingitanga to be formed?"
Henare said they were looking to push the kaupapa along and would have an announcement in the near future.
Van Velden said things were not progressing quickly enough.
"He couldn't provide a timeline for when the steering group would be formed and just said that it was in the near future.
"I think we should expect more from this government especially when they set aside $40 million of taxpayer money for the land to be used for housing and we haven't seen a single timeline."
Three-month deadline
Minister of Māori Development Willie Jackson said he was keen to get things moving and wants all parties to come together in the next three months.
"We walk a fine line here, we have to pay respect to people's own rangatiratanga, and their own mana and then we have to say 'okay it might be time for us to get this together' and that's what we'll be doing."
Minister of Māori Development Willie Jackson Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
The government has come under fire for purchasing the land from a fund specifically for housing.
The agreement - He Pūmautanga - said the whenua may include housing for mana whenua families, papakainga housing, or some community housing.
While the agreement does not provide a commitment to housing, the government insists homes will be built, as Henare reasserted.
"It is important to note that parties have committed to housing on this site and we are continuing to work through this process."
Save Our Unique Landscape has opposed the building of any houses on the land because of its historical, cultural and archaeological significance.
It is now up to the Kiingitanga to choose people for the steering group and get them to agree on housing.
The government will be hoping it is a universal yes to avoid more heat from Opposition parties.
The Kiingitanga has been approached for comment.
Structures set up at Ihumātao, December 2020. Photo: RNZ / Mabel Muller
