David White/Stuff
The future of the land at Ihumātao is still uncertain. “Whatever happens this afternoon I m confident it’s going to be business as usual, but maybe with a beverage at hand, a celebratory beverage perhaps.” This year it will be the fourth Christmas they have spent at Ihumātao. Newton knows that even if a deal is brokered between the Government and Fletcher, there is still a long road ahead before a final resolution is made that benefits the whanau of Makaurau Marae and future of the whenua. “I understand the process after that will be one where all stakeholders and interested parties will come together and decide the possible future for our whenua.