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1News
2 days ago
- Politics
- 1News
Gisborne council to investigate returning ancestral land to Ngāti Oneone
Seats were scarce at Gisborne's District Council's packed-out chambers on Thursday morning, as councillors voted to investigate the return of ancestral land to a local hapū. Members of Ngāti Oneone have inhabited Te Pā Eketū Shed, a warehouse-sized property on Gisborne's Hirini St, for almost two months as part of a protest movement they have called "a reclamation of whenua". Their original Te Poho-o-Rāwiri Marae and Pā once stood on the land, now owned by Eastland Port, before they were removed to develop the Gisborne Harbour under the Public Works Act, almost a century ago. Mayor Rehette Stoltz addressed the councillors and the crowd of hapū members and supporters, saying, "Ngāti Oneone are only asking for little bits of land back... which are not used. "But the real question and the real thank you... is how much they have given to our community." ADVERTISEMENT The council voted to approve the development of a "statement of intent," which would investigate the future of the council-owned land and vested land within Ngāti Oneone's rohe. Many in the public seats were visibly touched by the meeting's outcome. Stoltz acknowledged it would be "a clunky journey," with various legislation to work through and more meetings likely. "But I think I speak on behalf of this council when I say there is good intent from us to want to work with you." The council's decision was a response to Ngāti Oneone's online petition, which has called on the council, Trust Tairāwhiti and Eastland Port to return lands not used for core business. More than 2500 people had signed the petition as of this morning. Ngāti Oneone chairwoman Charlotte Gibson told the council, "In times of disaster, you trust us with your most prized possession, which is your people", noting Ngāti Oneone's support during Covid and severe weather events. ADVERTISEMENT "Homelessness is still happening on our side of town... We think we can do something about it. Please trust us... We're good at looking after people." Ngāti Oneone chairwoman Charlotte Gibson presenting to Gisborne District Council on Thursday morning. (Source: Local Democracy Reporting) Ngāti Oneone's protest movement began on May 5. It was 185 years to the day since Ngāti Oneone's tīpuna, Rawiri Te Eke Tu, signed "ae ra" on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, said Gibson. "In this day and age – it is 'ae ra' [meaning] – Get it, do it! Support Ngāti Oneone." Councillor Rawinia Parata said the council could not continue to ask things of Māori and give nothing back. "That's not what partnership is – [partnership] is walking hand and hand." Councillor Ani Pahuru-Huriwai thanked the hapū for its "graciousness in opening [its] doors" and meeting with the landowner groups under Trust Tairāwhiti, as well as councillors, and everyone who had been to the protest movement at Te Pā Eketū Shed. ADVERTISEMENT "A lot can be solved by having a cup of tea and a kōrero around a fire. We should have done this a long time ago." She noted other councils had taken action to support returning Māori land around the country. "This is not new, but it is a step in the right direction in terms of what Treaty partnership truly looks like and that we're not afraid to go there." Deputy Mayor Josh Wharehinga said the statement was consistent with previous council decisions, noting the decision in 2021 to support the return of land taken under the Public Works Act in Tokomaru Bay. Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann said the statement of intent was a framework for how the council would proceed. "That will be in negotiation with Ngāti Oneone around what this will look like, and what their priority areas are. "We may be able to find some easy wins in this... we have 265 parcels of land. Some will be reserves, some will be public works. ADVERTISEMENT "[It's] going to be difficult to navigate, but I am sure we will work in a partnership way." In its petition, Ngāti Oneone described its tribal lands as "from Pouawa in the north of Gisborne to Te Toka a Taiau, Turanganui awa, including the lands known as Kaiti/Kai Iti/Puhi Kai Iti". Council landholdings within this area comprise 265 individual land parcels, including Titirangi Reserve and its surrounds, according to the meeting's report. "The number of parcels and variety of types of land and ways it was acquired and is held mean that there can be no 'one size fits all' process. "Even if parcels are grouped and prioritised, consideration of the request from Ngāti Oneone will be complex and will require significant time and resources." In the report, the council acknowledged that other iwi and hapū may also have interests in some of the lands and commits to engaging in a principled and inclusive manner, ensuring all rights and relationships to the whenua are considered. The report says the statement of intent will signal the council's intent to "explore the return or vesting of land to the rightful owner/s where there is no longer a genuine public need, or where ongoing stewardship and use would be more appropriately held by tangata whenua". ADVERTISEMENT Additionally, the council will engage in good faith with Ngāti Oneone and ensure "the process is transparent, timely, and upholds and enhances the dignity, integrity, and mana of those involved". The statement of intent will be presented to the council for adoption on August 14. LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
NZ Herald
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NZ Herald
Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly release ‘Calls to Action' around land use transition
Gisborne District Council chief executive Nedine Thatcher Swann and Mayor Rehette Stoltz receive the Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly Calls to Action from assembly members and the project team, (from back left) Tia Takarangi, Te Weu chairwoman Renee Raroa, Paul Murphy, Meredith Akuhata-Brown, project lead Harley Dibble, Linda Evans, Ray Kitchen and Jonty Hall, (front) Rachel Hogan, Makahuri Thatcher-Wharehinga, Nedine Thatcher Swann, Mayor Rehette Stoltz and Assembly spokeswoman Dayna Chaffey. Photo / Supplied The Tairāwhiti Citizens' Assembly formed to discuss how land use changes can be fairly managed has released 'Calls to Action' urging support for a locally led process to prepare for a climate-resilient future. They want the Government, the Gisborne District Council and industry to back land-use transition that restores the
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Gisborne's Tairāwhiti Museum praised amid concerns over $158k financial deficit
Mayor Rehette Stoltz acknowledged the museum's financial pressures, saying it grappled with rising costs 'like everybody else'. She described the museum as 'a little gem'. However, councillor Colin Telfer raised concern about a $158,995 deficit for the year, citing 'a trend' of rising costs. He noted that wage costs had increased by $130,000 – nearly equal to the annual shortfall – and said the museum was 'basically' relying on its cash reserves, of which $100,000 had been used. Councillor Larry Foster called the museum a significant regional asset but questioned its declining retail revenue of $12,000. 'There must be opportunities to enhance your retail [revenue] with that many customers coming through your door,' he said. Foster also queried the low rental for the onsite cafe – $7200 a year, or $138.50 a week – describing it as a 'pretty cheap rental' and effectively a subsidy. However, he acknowledged the cafe added to the museum experience. 'I know a cafe really enhances the whole environment of the museum, so perhaps they want to subsidise it.' Foster praised the museum's reputation, calling it one of the country's top regional museums. He said it would be nice not to be losing so much money, but he acknowledged that the organisation was not intended to be a profit-making one. Councillor Colin Alder expressed concern over the rising wage bill and the purchase of a $30,000 vehicle. He said the museum should consult the council before making operational spending decisions. While Alder praised the quality of the cafe, he questioned whether its contract should go out to tender. Councillor Ani Pahuru-Huriwai defended the vehicle purchase, saying, 'they need a good vehicle'. She praised the museum for its inclusive engagement with artists and mana whenua across the region. Councillor Aubrey Ria said the council could offer suggestions but should be cautious about directing the museum's spending. 'Council has no expertise in the functions of a museum,' she said. Councillor Debbie Gregory said the new cafe contract had 'made a huge difference' and described it as 'a great cafe'. In response to Gregory's questions, council chief executive Nedine Thatcher-Swann said the museum's new lease had not yet been signed. That would be needed before any progress could be made on repairing the museum's roof, which council cultural activities manager Pene Walsh said leaked 'on occasion'. According to the annual report, the museum hosted 885 students from 73 schools and early childhood centres through Ministry of Education-funded programmes valued at $164,380. Exhibitions in 2023–2024 featured works by 102 local and national artists. These included four group shows and 11 solo exhibitions, all by artists with strong ties to the region. Nine temporary exhibitions had a strong Toi Māori focus, reflecting the museum's commitment to Māori art and culture. Major temporary exhibitions included He Kākahu Rerehua and Millard Studio. Permanent exhibitions include Watersheds, Te Moana, Star of Canada, and Wyllie Cottage. The museum reported total revenue of $1,287,921, with $292,581 from donations and fundraising and $985,538 from services. Council funding totalled $735,000. Total expenses reached $1,446,916, including $915,478 for volunteer and employee costs and $397,201 in service-related costs.
NZ Herald
25-04-2025
- General
- NZ Herald
Thousands attend moving Anzac Day service in Gisborne
After the solemn march behind the Highland band pipers from the Gisborne District Council chambers to the Cenotaph, the Trust Tairāwhiti Eastland Rescue Helicopter crew flew over the gathering to begin proceedings, and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed a beautiful waiata pōwhiri. The crowd gave voice to the anthems of New Zealand and Australia and the Gisborne Civic Brass Band played How Great Thou Art. Two teens from the Cadet Forces read the famous In Flanders Field poem in English and then in Māori. One veteran told the Gisborne Herald afterwards: 'I don't ever remember a more inclusive dawn service. We felt like the one people we are'. Aircraft from the aero club flew over the scene, wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph and Mayor Rehette Stoltz spoke. 'Anzac Day gives us the opportunity to think of those in our communities who have experienced war and conflict – those who lost their lives, our veterans, our armed services personnel, families of the fallen, and our refugee communities," Stoltz said. 'We also remember those who were injured and returned home after serving us bravely. Let us not forget the impact on them and their loved ones. 'New Zealanders who remember World War II, and those who grew up in its shadow, know the suffering that division can cause. 'As we witness concerning events across the globe, it is incumbent on all of us to remember the lessons of the past. 'Let Anzac Day forever be a reminder of our duty to uphold the values of those who have served our nation in the protection of peace and democracy.' Royal New Zealand Navy Warrant Officer Rowe Kaa, formerly of Gisborne, delivered a powerful speech. 'Today we acknowledge the assembly of the people and remember all those who have served and are still serving our nation in the armed forces, and in particular those who gave their lives for New Zealand.' She made special mention of 28 Māori Battalion. 'The battalion was renowned for its rich cultural history, strong sense of unity, bravery and tenacity in battle. 'As Lt General Sir Bernard Freyberg said - no infantry battalion had a more distinguished record, or saw such heavy fighting, and sustained such heavy casualties as the Māori Battalion.' Kaa pointed to the role New Zealand played in the creation of the United Nations after WWII. 'That system is under a huge strain today and the world is a much more unstable and dangerous place than it has been decades. 'When we leave here today we may like to consider what we as individuals, as a community and as a country can do to continue to uphold the rule of law, freedom and basic human rights across the world. 'In doing this we can continue to honour in a powerful way the memory of those service men and women who came before us, who sacrificed so much for our nation and our values.' The ode was read in Māori by Syd Clarke and in English by Gisborne RSA president Trevor Jukes. The trench whistle was sounded, as it was sounded in WWI, the Last Post was played, a three-round gun salute was fired from across the river and the RSA Kapahaka Roopu performed again. Jukes said it was 'great to see such a turnout and thanks to all those who have supported us today. Well done everybody, a magnificent job'. He led three cheers from the crowd for the veterans. One service-goer was heard to say after the proceedings: 'You have to say Anzac Day and the spirit it represents is still very much alive and well, growing stronger even, in Gisborne'. A feature of the service was the age spread of people - from babies in prams to the elderly. A mum with a couple of youngsters in tow summed it up when she said: 'I think it's really important the children have an understanding of Anzac Day and the sacrifices made'.
