Last month we reported on the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Mākaurau Authority meeting of May 6, at which members of the public who made presentations were abused and berated by members of the authority. Please see below a copy of a media release by one of the presenters, outlining his concerns.

One of our members who also attended this meeting contacted the Mayor of Auckland with a complaint about such disrespectful behaviour. Mayor Goff replied that in his view an investigation is not called for, the rationale for his decision including the following reasons:

• The Authority was established by an Act of Parliament. It has obligations and responsibilities under this Act to carry out its functions in relation to the Maunga, having regard to the spiritual, ancestral, cultural, customary and historical significance of the administered lands to Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau. All decisions made by the Authority are required to be considered through this lens.
• Auckland Council cannot and would not supersede the legislative mandate of the Authority in carrying out its responsibilities.

Please see below for a copy of the letter.

There is no doubt that under the legislation that established the Tūpuna Maunga Authority the citizens of Auckland have been disenfranchised, and our elected representatives made powerless when it comes to the maunga of Auckland. The authority is adamant that it acts in the interests of the maunga and Maori, and is not required to consider the views of the wider community. Yet it is the ratepayers of Auckland who foot the bill for the Authority and its decisions.

However, as a token of inclusiveness, the public are formally invited to comment on the Proposed Tūpuna Maunga Integrated Management Plan Strategies  

But, given the Authority's track record, unless you are a member of a local iwi, your input is likely to be disregarded. 

Written submissions are invited - you have until 5pm August 16. Email to: [email protected]

Despite being at odds with a value held in high esteem under tikanga - i.e. kanohi ki te kanohi (face to face, in person), there will be no in-person hearings.

N.B. The Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed is the legislation that brought into effect the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. To view the deed please click HERE.