We again have the spectre of iwi claims on Mauao Reserve. This try-on is a creeping cancer, seeking to increase previously settled claims.

All TCC, WBDC and EBOP representatives need to stop having secret squirrel meetings with iwi and get the whole thing out in the open public forum.

When all Western Bay residents have had the chance to flesh out the nitty gritty, and all sides have been heard.

Then put it to a public referendum at the next local body elections.

This will show what the NZ public think about the gifting of public assets over and above settlement claims already finalised.

Do the public want Mount Reserve, Pilot Bay Reserve etc along with Pane Pane Point on Matakana Island all vested in Maori interests?

Particularly as these have never formed any part of Treaty claims. Gate Pa is also in the mix - yes by all means give this to iwi; let them run it as a reserve with iwi meeting the entire cost of doing so, along with the upcoming festivities.

What local councils are currently practising is not governance. Their behaviour is plainly anti-democratic and a capitulation to pressure.

R Paterson, Matapihi.