October 21, 2016
Shelly Bay critics win Port Nicholson seats
Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust chair Neville Baker has retained his seat on the board, but he’ll have to contend with some strong critics around the table.
Mr Baker was the only candidate up for re-election to scrape through, with Kura Moeahu, Sam Kahui and Te Rira Puketapu losing their seats.
Those elected include Wayne Mulligan, John Coffey, Hannah Buchanan, Mahina Puketapu, and Kara Puketapu-Dentice.
Ms Puketapu and Mr Puketapu-Dentice have been highly critical of the trust’s attempts to turn its investment in the former Shelly Bay defence force base into a viable asset.
In his public comments Mr Puketapu-Dentice, a policy analyst, has opposed the sale of any land, even though the main business opportunities available to post-settlement entities include land development and resale of surplus crown land obtained through a right of first refusal.
The board meets next month and will vote on its chair and deputy chair.
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