In June 1991, Mr A Taiaroa, on behalf of himself and Maori affiliated to the National Maori Congress, lodged a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal concerning the disposal of surplus New Zealand Railways lands. The Tribunal constituted to hear the claim comprised Judge Eddie Durie (presiding), Professor Gordon Orr, and Georgina Te Heuheu, and it reported on four such cases.
Report on Auckland Railway Lands
In 1992, the Crown-Congress Joint Working Party proposed a scheme for the disposal of surplus Railways lands on the Tamaki isthmus in Auckland. The Tribunal was satisfied that Ngati Whatua, Ngati Paoa, Ngaitai, and Waiohau had interests in the area, that appropriate representatives for those groups had been consulted, and that they were content with the arrangements made. Accordingly, in its report of 21 May 1992, the Tribunal resolved that, on the basis of the arrangements or agreements made, the sale of the lands concerned would not be contrary to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
Report on Railway Land at Waikanae
In 1992, the Crown-Congress Joint Working Party proposed a scheme for the disposal of 3605 square metres of surplus Railways lands at Waikanae. In its report of 21 December 1992, the Tribunal said that, having heard the party, it was satisfied that the only Maori with an interest in the land were the Ruakohatu Urupa Trustees and that the Crown would not be acting contrary to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi in treating with them.
Report on South Auckland Railway Lands
In June 1991, the National Maori Congress claimed that the disposal of surplus Railways assets without a prior arrangement or agreement with local Maori would be contrary to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. Upon inquiring into the then-existing position in South Auckland, the Tribunal found in its report of 18 May 1993 that the Crown would not be acting contrary to the Treaty in disposing of Railways assets in the district upon the terms that had already been agreed.
Report on Wellington Railway Lands
In 1992, the Crown-Congress Joint Working Party sought a scheme for the disposal of surplus Railways lands in the Wellington region. The Tribunal heard representatives of groups with interests in the district and, in its report of 21 December 1992, it found that the Crown would not be acting contrary to the Treaty to effect an arrangement or agreement for the sale of the lands with those parties. |
