Hearing over Rangatira land begins

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 49, 20 June 1974, Page 10

Hearing over Rangatira land begins

The Royal Commission inquiring into the future use of the Rangatira B and C land biocks on the north-western shores of Lake Taupo on Monday held the first of a number of hearings. Dates for future hearings will be advertised extensively when they have been set by the one-man Commission, Sir Trevor Henry, a retired Supreme Court judge. Sir Trevor is required to present his findings to the Governor-General by August 31. Regular hearings will be held from now on and they will probably all be at the Wairakei Hotel conference centre because of the number of people attending. About 500 Maori land owners from throughout New Zealand are to be represented during the inquiry — either appearing on their own behalves, or served by group spokesmen or counsel. An interpreter is on hand for the hearings, as some of the evidence will be given in Maori. £he . Commission on Monday heard submissions byiMr L. P. Leary, Q.C., of Rotorua, who is appearing for a group of Rangatira C landowners. About ,140 people attended the hearing. Mr Leary left this week on an overseas trip, and the Commission agreed to give his case priority. In his submissions, he proposed that the common ownership of Rangatira C should cease to be held as one block and revert to the family biocks in existence - before 1955. The two Rangatira biocks were divided into several parcels under partitiorr: orders issued by the

Maori Land Court at the end of 1955. Since then, the land was remained idle because of arguments over subdivision. It has never been designated effectively. The Royal Commission was established last year to report on what action should be taken so the land can be put to the best use. Sir Trevor has also to decide whether the present ownership of each of the two biocks is fair and equitable to the beneficial owners, in the light of the ownership position immediately before the 1955 partition. The Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Rata, has given an assurance that the terms of reference may be extended if the Commission

needs further powers. Mr Leary yesterday called for a return to the family biocks in existence before 1955. They seemed to raise no opposition among the Maori owners, he said. "Even if that is all we achieve from this inquiry, it will be something for the Maori people," he told the Commission. Among evidence at future hearings will be submissions from Government departments and local authorities interested in Lake Taupo and the surrounding area. The Commission has called for submissions also from any individuals or organisations interested in the future of the Rangatira B and C lands.