How can the Western Bay District Council Mayor legally even consider agreeing to give Panepane Point back to Matakana Island Maori without even a discussion with council or notifying the Western Bay ratepayers on this consideration?

This piece of land was taken under the Public Works Act to set up the lights to guide ships into the Tauranga Harbour. How can this be legally returned to the people of the island? Land gets taken all over the country under the Public Works Act to build highways, bridges and other important public facilities. It is a necessary evil, but once this has happened surely, legally it can't be returned to previous owners because of what has been built there? Is it just because it is regarding Maori that it gets considered? No one else in NZ would even be allowed the time of day on the subject. Is this not preferential treatment once again?

There are too many major decision and rule changes happening in our WBOP council without ratepayers' consent. When it comes to major rule changes (Maori wards) or situations as mentioned above, the people should be asked in a referendum form, not just on the whim of the Mayor.

C Humphreys, Katikati.