Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

The Urewera 4 case file has been well documented so I do not intend to revisit those outcomes. But what is blatantly self-evident is that the events that took place back in October 2007, and in the long years since, traumatised the small rural community of Ruatoki and were deeply divisive right across the country.

The record of that time, while played out most publicly in the courtrooms, has also continued to shock and stigmatise the people of Tuhoe and shamed us internationally. Too many uncertainties exist around the actions of the police, the executive, and those promoting the terrorism agenda and so a top-level inquiry of some sort would shed light on some of these matters.

I was recently in Tauranga on a few occasions and appreciated the opportunity to observe a number of initiatives. Being with the Governor General, Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae was an honour indeed when welcomed by the iwi to Maungatapu. He sometimes delivers his speeches with the use of an I-pad, so I asked him before he stood whether the battery had ever run out or if there had ever been a technical difficulty. He said 'no not yet” and we chuckled. As it happens, he stood to speak and advised afterwards that he had lost his speech for a time but luckily was able to find it just in time!

I have been made aware of the matter of the spray drift from kiwifruit orchards especially around Te Puna School, and the efforts of some to ensure the safety of children, in particular. As a matter of public safety I have committed to investigate this further.

In closing, I have been advised that the Port of Tauranga plans to dredge in the Mataitai reserve which may result in the removal of millions of pipi. At present, a person is only allowed to take 150 pipi per day, unless they have a permit. Perhaps the Port of Tauranga will be breaking the Mataitai regulation if they dredge! Something to think about.