Settling Islanders In Northland ‘Unwise’

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30964, 21 January 1966, Page 1

Settling Islanders In Northland ‘Unwise’

f.New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 20. Reports that the Government proposed to settle about 1000 Tokelau Islanders in Northland would probably be discussed by the New Zealand Maori Council’s Northland branch at a meeting on January 29, I a spokesman said today.

The Minister of Island Territories (Mr Hanan) is at present visiting the Tokelau Islands. The Secretary of Island Territories (Mr J. M. McEwen) said today that the reason for his visit was that the islands were overcrowded, and it was “quite clear” some of the inhabitants would have to move.

It is understood that Northland sites have been proposed far settling the islanders in New Zealand. A New Zealand Forest Service spokesman said he did not think there would be enough work in the north for the islanders. “The loc-l Maori people haven’t enough work themselves.” he said. “I don't think we would have gone into the Aupauri forest project as far as we have if it wasn't for the unemployment there,” the spokesman said.

“My opinion is that settling the islanders there, even for a short time, would not be very wise.” He said the Aupauri sand dune forest project was only starting and as yet required few workers. It was of 50,000 acres. The other forest projects tn Northland had adequate labour. He said the department had planned no other projects for the region. MAORIS UNEMPLOYED The spokesman for the Maori Council said in Wellington that the Maori population in Northland had unemployment problems, and most young people were leaving the district to find work. SCHEME WELCOMED The general secretary of the Manufacturers’ Federation (Mr A R. Dellow) said bringing the islanders into New Zealand would be favoured by his federation. “We would certainly expect that some would find their

wav into the towns." he said. “I definitely think there would be some interest in schemes to sponsor islanders,” Mr Dellow said.