Maori protesters take over icy Waiouru picnic area

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 15, Issue 690, 10 June 1997, Page 1

Maori protesters take over icy Waiouru picnic area

Descendants of Ngati Whiti Raupeka and Ngati Tamakopiri arrived in Waiouru on Saturday evening to stake their claim for the land in the southern section of Orua Matua Kaimanawa. The decision by the Ngati Whiti Raupeka to occupy land in Waiouru was made following a meeting at the Beehive with Nick Smith, Member of Parliament for Nelson. This meeting was cut short without reaching a satisfactory conclusion, said spokesperson for the group Hapi Lomax. "This area is the most appropriate place to demonstrate our needs," said Mr Lomax, explaining that Waiouru lies within their tribal boundary area and has already provided a focal point for the supporters of the Kaimanawa horses. He said it was sad that the cabinet ministers were refusing to meet with them. Dennis Marshall's view that they had not exhausted all avenues for their claim was a "total dishonest statement", he said. Having erected a plywood building and a tent on the picnic area at the junction of State Highways 1 and 49, the group raised their flag which has become the symbol for Maori sovereignty claims. Yesterday, a group of about 30 protesters remained at the site, down in number from the weekend. Mr Lomax said the background of his groups' occupation dated back to 1933 when the Crown took the land known as Orua Matua Kaimanawa under proclamation for defence purposes. He said the Department of Conservation' s culling of the Kaimanawa horses and ECNZ's recent resource application to increase the capacity of the Moawhango Dam

would suggest that this land is no longer solely required for defence purposes. The iwi assumed that the land would be handed back to them if it became surplus to defence requirements and this is the basis for their claim. Representatives from the group plan to invite the ministers of defence, conservation and energy to come and talk with them with the goal of reaching an achievable end. "We recognise that dialogue is very important and that without dialogue [there will be] chaos," said Mr Lomax. The issue of the Kaimanawa horses has again reached major proportions with allegations by the "marae" group that horses are being shot and their carcasses buried in rubbish dumps in the training area. Both New Zealand Police Constable Crispin Lee and New Zealand Army spokesperson Major Chris Lawrence confirmed that a small number of horses had been destroyed due to serious injuries being discovered during the

muster, butMajor Lawrence denied that any pits had been dug. The group met on Saturday night with the Mayor of the Ruapehu District, Weston Kirton, who said that discussions centred on informing the "marae" Turn to Page 2

Maori land protest at Waiouru

From page 1 group of his concerns re-. garding the trespassing issue, dwellings that don't comply with building codes and resource consents and the need to preserve the area in its original state. A special council meeting scheduled for Monday would consider the options and make a decision based on the most appropriate action for the council. A second meeting with a group from Army Training Group including the Commander ATG, Colonel lan Marshall and Major Chris Lawrence commented that they had outlined some of the unique hazards associated with the training area such as live firing exercises. Mr Lomax indicated that the group is prepared to continue their protest throughout the winter if necessary. The intention is that their protest will remain peaceful and Mr Lomax commented that they are not there to interrupt the activities of the citizens of W aiouru and the ratepayers of the area.