R. Bishop has requested clarification on my comments around future change of land ownership. Co-governance and co-management in relation to iwi, a good question and I reply as follows.
The Crown not Council is in the process of settling a number of Treaty Claims. It has been stated that within those settlements that there will be land that will change from Crown ownership to iwi.
I also understand that the Crown (not Council) is preparing as part of those settlements to create Co-governance and potentially Co-management structures particularly around the management of waterways.
Please note that neither I or other TCC elected representatives were involved in any negotiations. We did have meetings with the Treaty negotiators who informed us of the process but made it clear to us that that the settlements are between the Crown and iwi and that they were informing us not consulting us of some elements of proposed settlements.
We encouraged the Crown and iwi negotiators to be more engaging with us and the wider community on the settlements.
One of the first of these arrangements put in place as a result of settlements is to do with the Kaituna river.
In summary neither I or my TCC Councillors were a party to Treaty negotiations but are now aware we will be involved in some of the outcomes as they effect Tauranga. If R.Bishop and others have issues with those outcomes they need to take them to the the Treaty of Waitangi Settlement Minister Mr. Chris Finlayson for an explanation.
I hope this clarifies my comments and would be happy to meet R.Bishop and others to discuss this matter further.

Stuart Crosby, Mayor.