Matakana Island Panepane Point's (200 hectares) debacle has nothing to do with cultural significance, or grievance claims, merely tribal interests yen to own land! Only on tribal radar in 2012 and was never on Waitangi claim's shopping list.
Presumably, Panepane Point has Local Authority Reserve status that benefits all Kiwis, not just vested tribal interests whose agenda is control of both sides of Tauranga Harbour entrance, which is certainly not in the long term public interest.
Transfer of this land is a farce, and while on the subject, there is no reason to think this strategic land will not be required for Port of Tauranga purposes in the future.
Every Western Bay citizen should be appalled and outraged, and must remain vigilant with a view to opposing these land grabs and always questioning why the public don't get any say from the outset.
The public excluded council meeting on December 17, 2015, was a no-no. Western Bay of Plenty District Council must be held accountable for its actions because not being transparent, accountable or honest about these matters.
Full historical details of the the Panepane Point purchase circa 1923 must be published by council.

R Paterson, Tauranga