Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Whangārei Hāpu Set To Go Back To Court To Battle Housing Development On Sacred Site
Tuwhenuaroa Natanahira, Māori news journalist
A Whangārei based hāpu are going back to court for the latest in a legal saga spanning about 30 years.
In December last year the Environment Court quashed consents for a housing development on land they said had huge significance to Ngāti Kahu o Torongare, saying at that time it was "one of the clearest cases we have seen where consent should be refused".
But developers have appealed the decision for a 93-lot subdivision on Onoke Pā, in the suburb of Kamo, meaning the hāpu will now have to go to the High Court.
It is the second time in 30 years the hapū has fought a subdivision on the same piece of land, which it has always maintained is hugely significant to Māori.
In a statement, Ngāti Kahu o Torongare said they were notified at the end of January of an appeal lodged by Onoke Heights LTD against the decision of the Environment Court to cancel resource consents to build 93 homes on Onoke Pā in Te Kamo Whangārei.
Hāpu spokesperson Nicki Wakefield said her hapū was "bitterly disappointed" at the appeal, and potentially going back to court for a third time was a "bitter pill for our people".
Speaking to RNZ's Midday Report programme, Wakefield said the hāpu were celebrating the Environment Court decision at Christmas-time.
"Now we're readying ourselves for another year in court over the same matter and so we might be going in for a third time."
Wakefield said there was a "clash" between the interests of developers and local council which contributed to the on-going legal battles.
Onoke Pā was an urupa, or cemetery, right up until the 1800s, Wakefield said.
"It's a bit of a set-up really and then we're in the middle - we're the meat in the sandwich as the hāpu."
"It's our wāhi tapū and it needs to stay as a tapū," Wakefield said.
RNZ
New Zealand's public broadcaster, providing comprehensive NZ news and current affairs, specialist audio features and documentaries.
Radio New Zealand is a Crown entity established under the Radio New Zealand Act 1995. Radio New Zealand News are vital elements in our programming, providing impartial news and information to New Zealanders every day. Radio New Zealand (RNZ) provides listeners with exciting and independent radio programmes in accordance with the Radio New Zealand Charter.
Gordon Campbell: On The Government’s Epic Fails In Jobs And Housing
Council for International Development: New Zealand Must Show Leadership As The US Retreats From Global Aid
Amy Williams, RNZ: FBI Enlists NZ Police To Investigate Sexual Abuse In Secretive Sect
Justice Committee: List Of Submitters To Be Invited To Make Oral Submissions— Principles Of The Treaty Of Waitangi Bill
NZ Labour Party: Health Leadership In Disarray While Kiwis Miss Out
Waipureku Waitangi Trust: Time For The Nation To Grow Up, Says Historian O'Malley
Manaaki Rangatahi: Manaaki Rangatahi Calls On The National-Led Government To Prioritise The Well-Being Of Young People This Waitangi Day 
