Historic day in sight for protesters

The Government is to buy the culturally significant Taipa Point Reserve in Doubtless Bay for its likely return to mana whenua, Ngāti Kahu, who have been occupying the site since October 19 when they learned it was up for sale.

Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations Minister Andrew Little and Māori Crown Relations: Te Arawhiti Minister and Te Tai Tokerau MP Kelvin Davis travelled to the Far North yesterday afternoon to make the announcement to Ngāti Kahu at the occupation site.

When Stuff spoke to Little ahead of his arrival, he said the Crown’s offer to purchase 55 Taipa Point Rd had been accepted.

‘‘It will be put in the land bank so that it is available on any redress that we reach with Ngāti Kahu.

‘‘Ngāti Kahu representatives outlined to me in a letter the great value and significance of this site which is said to be the place where Kupe first moored his canoe in Aotearoa.’’

The private owner had also expressed his preference that the land return to Māori ownership given its cultural significance, Little said.

‘‘These are some of the reasons that my Cabinet colleagues and I considered in our decision to purchase the land.

‘‘It is now up to the iwi to decide how they would like to engage with the Crown, whether that be through the Waitangi Tribunal or through direct negotiations.’’

The popular 7879 square metre coastal site is worth an estimated $1.4 million.

Yesterday morning the iwi unveiled seven pouwhenua at the site, originally known as Maheatai, to mark the historic day.

Reclamation leader and spokesman Wikatana Popata, who has been managing negotiations and the occupation site, including keeping visitors safe from Covid-19, was feeling grateful.

‘‘We are happy with the outcome here today and are thankful for everyone who has supported this journey, directly or indirectly.’’

But the work was not over.