March 24, 2017
Labour to oppose Point England build-up
Labour will oppose a bill which would allow Ngati Paoa to buy a reserve at Point England for a 300-unit housing development.
The issue was hotly debated at caucus, with some MPs concerned it could be seen as opposing the tribe’s economic aspirations.
But they were swayed by the strong opposition to the plan from the Auckland Council and the Glen Innes Local Board, who were concerned about the loss of playing fields and public open space, particularly when the neighbouring Tamaki Regeneration project would put an extra 20,000 residents into the area.
There is also fear the legislation sets a precedent for Building and Environment Minister Nick Smith to target any reserve as a solution for the country’s housing woes.
The Point England deal is not part of Ngati Paoa’s treaty settlement, but it did arise out of an examination of what crown land could be surplus under the collective Tamaki Makaurau Settlement.
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