Piggy-backing onto the Mauao Historic Reserve Act 2008 fiasco we now have Matakana Island‘s Panepane Point kite-flying exercise which has nothing to do with cultural significance or grievance claims – Maori just wish to own it. It entered into their field of vision around 2011, just seven years ago.

The land area involved is 200ha and its status looks like Local Authority Reserve land that benefits all Kiwis, not just vested interests who could possibly control of both sides of the Tauranga Harbour entrance and that is contrary to the public interest.

The land was held under Native Title until 1923 when taken under the Public Works Act 1908 for harbour purposes. It was vested in the Tauranga Harbour Board and latterly WBDC who tried to circumvent the system by having a Local Act of Parliament vest Panepane Point in Maori while refusing to release Western Bay staff reports. Informal secret forums (public excluded) create done deals behind closed doors. High Court proceedings in 2011 were unsuccessful as the court held the land was still used for original purposes.

Tauranga citizens must be vigilant in opposing these scurrilous land claims and questioning why the public are never consulted and don't get any say.

R Paterson, Matapihi (Abridged).