An Auckland mountain returned to mana whenua (authority over land) through a Treaty settlement will be legally transferred this week.
Photo: Supplied.
From Friday, Maungauika, or North Head in Devonport, will be legally administrated by the Tūpuna Maunga Authority.
In 2014, the Ngā Mana Whenua o Tāmaki Makaurau Collective Redress Deed saw the ownership of 14 maunga or mountains returned to 13 iwi and hapū.
These maunga included Maungakiekie (One Tree Hill) and Maungawhau (Mt Eden).
The administration of Maungauika will be transferred from the Department of Conservation - the final transfer to take place.
Authority chair Paul Majurey said the transfer was an important step in integrating the management of all maunga in Auckland.
"In 2016 we adopted the Tūpuna Maunga Integrated Management Plan to care for and protect the maunga of Tāmaki Makaurau in a cohesive way.
"DoC have helpfully been aligning their management of Maungauika to the values in the plan."
Mr Majurey expected Mangauika, which sits on the edge of the Waitematā Harbour overlooking the Auckland CBD, to be a focal point for the America's Cup in 2021.
"We will be looking towards management initiatives to ensure visitor safety and enjoyment of the maunga during this high-profile event."
The authority is a co-governance body which has six iwi representatives, six Auckland Council representatives and one non-voting Crown representative.
It is independent of Auckland Council and has its own decision-making powers and functions.