April 26, 2017
Ngai Tupoto hopeful of buying back Motukaraka
Members of Hokianga hapu Ngai Tupoto have so far raised pledges of $26,000 towards buying an island near Rawene of historical significance to them.
Go Fund Me page organiser Ana Sarich says she will submit a tender by today's deadline in the hope the vendors will keep the option open.
Estimates of the value of Motukaraka, which has been in the hands of a Pakeha family for almost a century, range from $85,000 to $300,000.
Ms Sarich says Ngai Tupoto is asserting its status as kaitiaki of the island, which was the site of a significant battle and includes wahi tapu.
"Regardless of how much we pay we believe we should be given first choice being kaitiaki and considering its cultural and historic significance to us and to the wider New Zealand community. The last thing we want is for a foreign investor to buy it. There has been overseas interest, so we hope we are successful in our tender or if someone else buys it, they are open to a conversation with us as well," Ms Sarich says.
Ngai Tupoto wants the land to become a public reserve.
FULL INTERVIEW WITH ANA SARICH
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