Tauranga Moana Speaks With One Voice: Fast-Track Must Not Override Mana Whenua – Te Pati Māori
Te Pāti Māori Co-Leader and MP for Waiariki, Rawiri Waititi stands alongside Ngāti Ranginui and the hapū of Tauranga Moana as they presented their case during the Fast-track hearing this week at Whareroa Marae.
“Our people should never have to fight to protect what has always been theirs to care for,” said Waititi.
“The Government’s Fast-track legislation risks putting corporate interests ahead of tangata whenua, te taiao and the rights guaranteed under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. That is unacceptable.”
Waititi said the hearing was about more than a single proposal.
“This is about whether mana whenua can continue to exercise rangatiratanga over their own whenua and moana, or whether those voices will be sidelined in the name of speed.”
“Ngāti Kuku and the people of Whareroa continue fighting for the survival of their whenua, moana and taonga. They should not have to relitigate the rights and responsibilities that were recognised through Treaty settlements. Fast-track legislation cannot become a mechanism for undermining those commitments.”
For generations, iwi have carried the responsibility of caring for their whenua, waterways, and coastal environments.
“Those responsibilities do not disappear because the Government wants to fast-track consenting. Progress cannot come at the cost of Māori rights, environmental protection, or the integrity of Treaty settlements.”
Waititi acknowledged the leadership of Tauranga Moana, their iwi, hapu, kaumātua, technical experts and legal teams during this process.
“I commend Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Kuku and all those who have stood together in defence of Te Awanui. Their advocacy is not only for their own people, but for future generations and for the integrity of Te Tiriti.”
“The unity shown throughout this hearing has been undeniable. Hapū and iwi from across Tauranga Moana have stood alongside Ngāti Kuku, united in their serious concerns about the unacceptable cumulative impacts this proposal would have on Te Awanui.”
“The message has been consistent, both in person and through written submissions. Mana whenua have spoken with one voice, this application must be declined.”
“The decisions made through this process will have consequences long after this hearing. Our mokopuna deserve healthy ecosystems, thriving communities and the full expression of tino rangatiratanga, not the legacy of short-term political decisions.”
“Te Pāti Māori will continue to oppose legislation that weakens Māori rights, sidelines iwi voices, breaches the commitments made through Treaty settlements and undermines environmental protections. We will always stand alongside our people in protecting our whenua, our wai and our future.”
