The fifth and final in this series of Owner Engagement Hui was held at Tamatekapua, Ohinemutu on Saturday 18th June, 2022.
We had a good turnout for this hui and many owners stood up to express their views. The primary focus was to discuss two draft resolutions:
Draft Resolutions:
Trustee Elections Resolution
1. That the Tumu Kaituna 14 Trust applies to the Māori Land Court for an amendment to the Trust Order to allow for new rules for a Trustee Rotation and Election system based on:
- Seven trustees to hold office for four years
- An election for 2 trustee positions every two years starting from 2023 (with two existing trustees to stand down each election and be eligible to stand again)
- Trustee eligibility criteria based on a CV showing experience or an ability to contribute to land governance and/or financial management and/or tikanga Māori
- 3 of the seven trustee positions to be “hapū endorsed seats” relating to each of the 3 constituent hapū of the land, whereby the nominee must demonstrate they have obtained written endorsement from the relevant hapū authority or a recognised hapū kaumatua.
Land Development Resolution
2. That, in order to facilitate the development of Tumu Kaituna 14 land in accordance with Trustee Guiding Principles, the Tumu Kaituna 14 Trustees are authorised by the owners to negotiate with the Tauranga City Council the granting of Access and Use rights to the parts of the land shown on the plan as ‘infrastructure corridors’ and the ‘active reserve’ through easements or long-term leases on the basis that:
- The Trustees act in accordance with the Trustee Guiding Principles;
- The Trustees are prohibited from selling any part of Tumu Kaituna 14 land;
- The Trustees obtain best value compensation for the use/access rights by way of additional ownership of land and/or financial compensation;
- The Trustees return to owners with full details of the negotiated agreement for consultation before final agreement.
Hui #5 Video
You can watch the video here:
Hui #5 Presentation
You can download the presentation here:
TK14 Owner Hui Presentation 18 June 2022
Hui #5 Photos
We have also added the photos taken at the hui to our gallery page here.
Hui #5 Minutes
Facilitator
Leo Watson (Via zoom)
Trustees
Malcolm Short, Anaru Bidois, Emily Rota-Bidois, Uenuku Fairhall (via zoom).
Support
Murray Patchell, Jeff Fletcher, Mike Morgan, Amber Taare.
Apologies
Waldo Houia, Alex Wilson and five others.
Technology
FeverPitch
Attendance
36 (in person) 8 (online)
Mihi and Karakia
Anaru Bidois
Introductions
Introduction of Leo Watson as the facilitator, Trustees and support.
Leo Watson summarised the hui agenda. This is the 7th engagement process (5 hui, 2 workshops). Previous presentations and minutes are online via the website.
Presentations
As per the power point the following presentations were made:
Trustee Guiding Principles
Leo Watson took owners through the guiding principles. These are focused on benefit to owners. Principles are designed to ensure these capture the unique manawahenua identity. Owners feedback is acknowledged, has been considerable support for the principles.
Leo summarises owner feedback to date. (refer to slides). Trustees are very aware of the environmental issues and concerns which have been raised. Reports have been uploaded, but note that there are significant environmental issues to be worked through as part of the detailed planning yet to come in any development context.
Trustee Rotation and Election
Commencing in July 2022, an election will be held for two new Trustees conducted by an independent Accounting firm GHA.
A separate process for rotation elections requires owners support and court approval. This includes a proposal for 3 hapu endorsed positions. A separate resolution is proposed for that.
Housing for Owners
Comments and submissions have been received from Matire Duncan and Karen Stowers (Tane Brott) who have expertise on housing and Te Arawa centric planning. The Trustees are keen to meet with these experts on housing options. A housing survey will be done. A funding application is with TPK.
Leo Watson noted that land ownership would remain with the Trust and housing occupation rights would be granted.
Georgina Whata requested a commitment to engage our own people in all aspects of housing, including development contractors, and obtain a clear understanding of environmental issues.
Patricia Edwards applauded the Trustees for their hard work and progress made. She queried how all this would be paid for without selling land?
Malcolm Short advised that discussions had been held with Kainga Ora that have a matrix of options. No serious discussions yet but the Trust is aware of Kainga Ora support for Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands housing development at Wharenui. Need to take advantage of current political and funding opportunities.
Patricia said that we need to develop infrastructure sooner rather than later. Govt has debt limitations that may restrict their ability to assist.
Malcolm added that a change in Government could change all of this.
Leo acknowledged there were funding limits and the Trust is required to contribute as well. The Trust’s view is that Access to funding is tied to the infrastructure corridors. Opening these will lead into the funding options. This would be through easement and access rights.
Anthony Haupapa was concerned with emergency housing and how this would be done. He said in the 1960’s Maori Affairs ran a lottery for housing and many missed out. He was worried the same thing will happen at Te Tumu. Owners need to prove whakapapa. He said we always had to do what the pakeha said because they thought they were right. Its not just Government but Councils as well. He referred to issues in Rotorua where Māori were living in the poorer areas. Still renting. We need to look after our mokopuna – what is in it for them?
Leo agreed the first criteria would be whakapapa to the whenua. He noted Anthony’s anger at Government and others. He noted from the Trust proposal that the owners would remain in control.
Matire Duncan said she had attended several hui and it was important to air the issues. She had raised the matter of housing options and said it was time to start thinking about these options, and start the conversation. Regarding the access and use rights she suggested negotiating a long term lease with council. Trust needs a good negotiator.
Tui Iripeta queried if we had to go with Kainga Ora or are there other options?
Leo said the short answer was no, Kainga Ora not the only option. This would be for feasibility funding. The trust will need to weigh up the options but not lose its sovereignty.
Tui said she supported the voting process. Good information was being provided. She is looking forward to annual meetings. She expressed appreciation for the good work being done and the efforts of the Trustees.
Geoffrey Rice said the question was do we want housing or not. We need to protect what we have. If we don’t like the Trustees then dump them but once appointed let them get on with it. He referred to what was happening at Pukaingataru with two manawhenua. But we are all connected through bloodlines. Houses should be designed for long term. Talks are underway for a new town of 40,000 people in 20 years. Values and costs will increase. Get the money from wherever you can and lock things in. Housing is social not just financial. Need to find a way to move forward. Housing is a problem everywhere. We should get on with our development before we miss out.
Arthur Flintoff spoke to provide another perspective. He was there for the 2016 resolution. He was surprised at the plan presented at that time, and had felt there was a lack of communication which placed a cloud over the Trustees. He felt the process was railroaded through the Court and some owners objected through the court. He queried if we were happy with the Trustees. He said many things are possible but there are strings attached. He knows about planning. TK14 granting an easement unlocks adjoining blocks. He is concerned there will be gentrification – the wealthy will move in. He felt the Trustees did not do their due diligence on issues. They need to take time to do their process. He would like all Trustees to stand down. He referred to Malcolm Short’s work at growing Pukeroa Oruawhata Trust into a $300m asset that only gave $170 grant to his father. He did not have confidence in Malcolm Short.
Uenuka Fairhall referred to Arthur’s comments and acknowledged there were many challenges in front of us. He acknowledged Geoff’s concerns to know where the land stops and starts when development commences. Regarding housing there is short term funding but long term leverage should be considered.
Leo noted Arthur’s key theme that our development should not be railroaded by what is happening around the block. He said Te Tumu development provides an opportunity but without the owner principles being compromised. More consideration needs to be given to alternatives. Invites the owners to put forward alternatives, with reality. Because trustees also have obligations to be prudent managers, and take advantage of opportunities. Owners feedback is welcomed.
Infrastructure Corridors and Active Reserve
Leo referred to the slides showing draft proposed land uses noting that much more work needs to be done. But provides an indication of the housing density options and the other land uses, including open space, commercial areas, cultural sites etc.
Georgina Whata said she had attended several hui. She said if owners do nothing and don’t speak out they will be stuck with the outcomes. She felt the Trust was in the strongest commercial position. Once the door is open its position weakens. We should maximise the leverage now. In other situations she is aware of money has been demanded upfront successfully. She said if we are giving up land for infrastructure then do so in a meaningful and deliberate way. Compensation should be sought for the loss of rights to the land. If a long term lease is set up rental needs to be paid. We need putea to compensate the owners.
Leo acknowledged her suggestions for compensation and leveraging. Leo said the lands offered by TCC as options are ready for development. Uenuku said access to the Trust block was difficult. The PEI interchange will greatly improve access and will be the fastest way to access it. He said the land offered was part of Te Arawa Lands that had been sold previously so we would be regaining Te Arawa lands.
Georgina suggested engaging with the neighbouring Māori land blocks. She had been told there has been no contact and queried what had been done in that regard.
Jeff Fletcher said that there had been discussions over the last 10 years. They are aware of our plans and have been involved. Both chairs have contact details and know the door is open. This engagement focus has focused on TCC and the Trust.
Georgina disputed this and said that it appeared no real effort had been made to connect with relations in those other blocks. This needed to be a priority.
Voting on Resolutions and Draft Resolutions
Leo referred to the draft resolutions for voting and invited kōrero.
Peter Edwards said he had a concern with the exchange of land. He had lived at Papamoa for 17 years in the 1980’s and 90’s. He recalled that land was swampy and unusable and he questioned the basis for exchange. He thought the exchange would be a good thing but queried what the land acquired would be good for? The Trust should get information on exactly what it is, otherwise he said its full steam ahead.
Leo responded that a lot of due diligence is still to be done. If it doesn’t stack up the Trust would look at other options. He said this is the start of a very detailed due diligence process.
Emily Rota-Bidois said that the Trustees had been in touch with the neighbouring land blocks. They are always welcome to attend our hui. She referred to her absolute commitment to the land and outlined her whakapapa. Her mother had put her on the Trust and her heart was totally for the Kaupapa, fully involved. She felt it was a beautiful hui today. She undertook to follow up with the neighbours who we are committed to working together as we are all affiliated.
Lorraine Galvin queried how many postal addresses there were and felt the turnout was quite small.
Malcolm Short said there were over 1500 addresses held. Lorraine felt the Trust should do more get whanau engaged and the Trustees should find more addresses for owners. Leo acknowledged her comments and said it was a two way street by both whanau and Trustees to increase numbers. There will also be addresses which are “returned mail”. The Trust can always do better.
Anaru Paul queried the voting basis of 1 owner 1 vote and Leo confirmed that Whanau Trusts only get one vote. Anaru noted that if there was no Trust then each shareholder would get a vote.
Charlene Olliver said she was worried about Kainga Ora. She was concerned with what was happening with the housing crisis in Rotorua and the government buying up reserves for housing. She said the reserves should be returned to Māori. She does not like Kainga Ora. She supports the new Trustee and rotation proposals.
Anaru Bidois in closing said that 70% of land had gone and the exchange is an opportunity to get some back. No land is for sale. Trustees are listening to owners’ concerns. He acknowledged the contributions from owners. He believed our Tupuna had left the land as an economic and spiritual base and the challenge was how best to utilise this resource.
The hui closed at 12.03pm with karakia from Anthony Haupapa.