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February 4, 2015
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Puhoi • Warkworth • Snells • Matakana • Omaha • Leigh • Pakiri • Wellsford • Port Albert • Kaiwaka • Mangawhai
Hauraki iwi makes Kawau Island treaty claim An historic reserve in Sunny Bay, on Kawau Island, is one of three areas in Mahurangi which may transfer to an Hauraki iwi under their Waitangi Treaty settlement. The Office of Treaty Settlements has confirmed that the Crown and Marutūāhu have signed an agreement that includes the three sites as part of cultural redress. The other sites are an area of the Motuora Recreation Reserve and the Mahurangi Scenic Reserve. The land on the island is part of the Kawau Island Historic Reserve, administered by the Department of Conservation. Ministry of Justice senior communications advisor Julia Craven says the Crown and Marutūāhu are yet to confirm all elements of the settlement package and a Deed of Settlement has not yet been initialled. When it is, it will go to iwi for ratification and will also be made publicly available. In regards to the reserve status of the land, Ms Craven said that conservation land that was transferred through a treaty settlement was, in most cases, subject to the protection of conservation values. “In the case of reserve land this generally means the continuation of the reserve status under the Reserves Act 1977, which protects the right of the public to continue to have access to both land and buildings,” she said.
what’sinside Local folk
Piers Barney, skipper page 9
A view to die for. The two DOC houses in Sunny Bay should have been available for the public to use, but the department has left them to rot.
A DOC spokesperson said the classification of the Sunny Bay site as an historic reserve reflected the early mining history of the island and the fact the area once formed part of Sir George Grey’s estate. “The houses have historical value as examples of early residences on the island,” he said. “At one time, the buildings were rented as public accommodation. Following that they were used as accommodation for staff based on the island until 2002. The buildings have remained closed since staff numbers were reduced.” DOC has been responsible for the reserve since 1987.
Heavy metal
Billions in budget cuts pages 15-20
Meanwhile, Kawau Island Residents & Ratepayers Association (KIRRA) officers say they have not been officially informed of the negotiations. Secretary Helen Jeffery says news of the proposal was discussed informally at the association’s annual meeting on January 25, but no-one could confirm the facts of the matter. “I think the general feeling was one of disbelief,” she said. “My feeling is that if iwi made it into a destination for everyone, then it could be a positive thing. After all, they couldn’t do any worse than DOC which has let the continued page 2
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While in one localmatters.co.nz breath DOC says that Sunny Bay is an important part of NZ’s historic heritage, it has done an abysmal job of protecting and maintaining the reserve.
Shape up
Wellness feature pages 24-29
off the drawing board this month . . .
New Home - Takatu
l Graham SawelARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
PH 425 9759
9 Falls St • Warkworth
Sweet love
Valentines Day feature pages 32-33 Behind the basic philosophy of personal service is the belief that it is possible to combine innovative design with cost control to produce efficient, functional & delightful architecture.