Levin Maoris angry at regatta on sacred lake

Press, 25 January 1986, Page 8

Levin Maoris angry at regatta on sacred lake

PA Wellington An attempt to stop a power boat regatta on Lake Horowhenua tomorrow has failed. Twelve members of the Muaupoko tribe of Levin tried to file for a court injunction to have the regatta cancelled. They cited environmental reasons and interference with an area considered to be a burial ground for many of their ancestors. The group’s spokesman, Mr Philip Taueki, said they learned of the re-

gatta too late and were unable to organise an injunction application in time. But he said they would try in future to stop events such as the regatta. Many members of the tribe died in battles on the lake between Muaupoko and Te Rauparaha, said Mr Taueki. It was considered, a graveyard for those people. The water was not deep and the power boats would be racing above the bones of the tribe’s ancestors.

Mr - Taueki' criticised local authorities for not ■' giving enough time' for | objections to be heard. He said the power boat association which organised the regatta was granted permission on December 12, but resp dents were given only 30 days to file objections. ■■■’■ j ■ .■■ • -■ Tribal members would also criticise the tribe’s lake trustees who agreed to the regatta’s ? being held.