Local MP supports Otaraua Hapu in their call to 'be at the table'

Local MP for Te Tai Hauauru, Tariana Turia, has supported the call of Otaraua hapu for the hapu to be constructively engaged in discussions with all interested parties, regarding the care of their waahi tapu.

“I was greatly moved by the comments of the kuia, Alice Doorbar” said Mrs Turia. “She talked about how “our tupuna who inhabited this pa understood the meaning of loss” – words that have a profound history attached to them".

“The hapu of Te Atiawa and nga iwi o Taranaki place deep significance on this site, in that it connects them directly to their tupuna chief, Wiremu Kingi Te Rangitake” said Mrs Turia.

“The site that Otaraua hapu is occupying carries a painful history back to 1860, when the first shots were fired by the British, signalling the start of the New Zealand wars”.

“These people are peaceful people – they are people who have worn the imprint of land confiscation and military action – and it is clearly distressing that they have felt they had little choice at this stage other than to camp out on their land, to express the strength of their determination to protect the Tikorangi Pa waahi tapu site”.

“I know that their greatest wish is simply to be at the table, for their concerns to be heard by Greymouth Petroleum, and respectful dialogue to take place”.

“I support their call to seek a positive outcome, and have written to the Minister of Local Government; the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage; and the Minister for Energy and Resources; suggesting that the most positive way forward would be for constructive dialogue to occur with all parties that have an interest in the proposed sub-surface drilling of Tikorangi Pa”.

“Sites of cultural significance, such as Tikorangi Pa, are vital places for communities to link to the past, and to value the people and history that is associated with that site” said Mrs Turia.

“I would hope that all parties can respect the interests of mana whenua while also working together, to advance the economy and protect the environment for all who live in the Taranaki region”.