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Iwi in Auckland housing stoush 'keen to move on' - Chris Finlayson

finance_2Iwi caught up in the stoush over using crown land for housing development are "keen to move on" and have not instigated court proceedings, says the Minister for Treaty Negotiations.

In May, Housing Minister Nick Smith took media on a tour of four parcels of Auckland land that he said had potential for development.

Controversy erupted over the 500 hectares of land earmarked for housing development after iwi said they had a letter from the Crown outlining they had right of first refusal (RFR) on some of the land.

Both Ngati Whatua and Waikato-Tainui confirmed last week they would seek High Court clarification over their rights to certain land.

Prime Minister John Key was adamant plans to develop the land to try and boost Auckland's housing supply was completely within the law.

On Wednesday Minister for Treaty Negotiations Chris Finlayson said there were no court proceedings under way.

"I've had very fruitful discussions, most recently this morning with Waikato-Tainui, and I'd certainly hope if anyone had a concern...I'd hope they came to me first."

Finlayson said iwi had been spoken to and "as a result of the discussions we've had I think everyone understands the position, understands what the RFRs are about and are keen to move on in a very positive way as iwi partners, as it should be".

It was better for everyone involved if court action could be avoided, he said.

"Governments come and go...the obligation is that of the Crown, which continues on. That's why I'm very very keen to see this post-settlement commitments unit up and running and do well because regardless of whether i'm here or John Key's here - it has to be working well in 25 years time."

Finlayson wouldn't be drawn on whether iwi had got the terms of the RFR wrong.

"Frankly I'm not particularly interested in saying you got it wrong, we got it right, blah blah blah. That's a bit childish really."

He also met with iwi in Tamaki a few weeks ago where concerns about the land development were raised.

"I made the point that any suggestion we were seeking to evade our obligations was insulting."

"Everyone now knows the terms of the protocol, the terms of the obligations on both sides under RFR...and as I say, I think everyone is in a much better space now," he said.

Iwi did not respond to requests for comment.

Real Estate Investar Editor
Real Estate Investar Editor
Real Estate Investar provides intelligent software, tools and data to help you save time and make money in the residential property investment market.

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