Group forms to fight Maori International

Press, 16 February 1984, Page 23

Group forms to fight Maori International

PA Rotorua Whakarewarewa people opposed to Maori International’s development plans have resolved to fight to keep control of their lands. With the blessing of Tuhourangi-ngati Wahiao elders, who welcomed moves by young tribal members for alternative development plans, the Whakarewarewa Project Development Committee was set up on Monday evening. Its aim is to produce a development plan for Whakarewarewa. The committee will investigate development of the 40ha of

tribal land which does not include the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute. The institute and thermal valley containing the geysers is Crown land. The committee’s, chairman, Mr B. Hamiora, said the aim was broad and encompassed a number of objectives. “We deliberately kept the aim broad so that we would not be restricted in any of our objectives,” he said. “At this stage, because the promised prospectus from Maori International has not yet eventuated, we prefer to keep our cards fairly close to our chests.” However, because of Whakarewarewa’s physical

position, and its traditional role in tourism, it was obvious any plan would include catering for visitors, Mr Hamiora said.

April 1, the date from which the Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon, has said Maori International would take over the New Zealand Maori Arts and Crafts Institute at Whakarewarewa, was fast approaching, and so any moves needed to be taken quickly. “But we are not rushing into this. A number of us had informal discussions some time ago, and tentative proposals have already been made,” Mr Hamiora said.