An Auckland tribal leader is threatening legal action to stop one of the Government's new fast-tracked housing developments if the council does not consult with mana whenua or local iwi at the historic Ihumatao Pa.
A building in the Auckland suburb of Hobsonville is due to be finished later this year. Photo: SUPPLIED
In one of the first challenges to the Housing Accord, Te Kawerau a Maki says the development is on its doorstep, but it is being ignored.
The accord was signed by the Auckland Council and Government about a year ago, and would create 80 special housing areas, with quicker planning and in some cases higher density rules should speed up home building.
The chair of Te Kawerau a Maki Tribal Authority, Te Warena Taua, said the council has not given any thought to his people who live at Ihumatao Pa in Mangere, which is near the proposed development.
Mr Taua believed the council needs to do a U-turn and consult with his iwi. If not, he said it would go to court if it has to.
The 33-hectare Oruarangi Road project in Mangere is being developed by Fletchers and could see up to 480 homes being built.
The Auckland Council said it is now up to the applicant for the land to consult with the tribe directly. Fletchers said it is prepared to talk with the mana whenua.