Wednesday, 3 March 2021, 12:45 pm
The decision where to place the Erebus National Memorial
has been led by the Prime Minister – despite push back
from the community, Erebus family members, Local Board, NZ
Heritage Trust and Māori leadership.
On Sunday, Dame
Naida Glavish sent a letter outlining her concern about the
‘integrity of process’ to Ms Ardern, Hon Grant
Robertson, Hon Andrew Little, Hon Carmel Sepuloni, Hon Kiri
Allan, and Hon Nanaia Mahuta.
The letter said
“communication with local iwi has been unclear and not
inclusive. All the facts have not been at hand to make a
proper and informed decision.”
Naida arrived at the occupied site just after 2pm on Wednesday. She told
Checkpoint she had recently sat in silence under the giant, sprawling pōhutukawa tree, which is close to the memorial construction. “It felt like I was sitting in the arms of my ancestors of 180-plus years ago that walked this whenua. This is Mataharehare, it is a pā.” Naida is from iwi Ngāti Whātua. A hapū of that iwi - Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei - is mana whenua of the area. It had been in consultation with the Ministry of Culture and Heritage on the development of the memorial since October 2018, and supported the construction.
Protesters occupy site, but Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei supports Erebus memorial rnz.co.nz - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from rnz.co.nz Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.