The new mayor of Auckland, Phil Goff, and his council have been welcomed onto Ōrākei Marae at Takaparawhau (Bastion Point).
Newly elected Auckland Mayor Phil Goff (R) and Phil Davis of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. Photo: RNZ / Shannon Haunui-Thompson
Still to be formally sworn in as mayor, Mr Goff was given a full traditional pōwhiri onto the marae and later said he felt as though he had been officially recognised already.
Mr Goff said he went to the marae to thank Ngāti Whātua for their support during the election and to solidify their relationship into the future.
Joe Hawke, who led the 1978 [http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/304825/film-reignites-bastion-pt-memories
occupation of Bastion Point] where the marae is situated, told the gathering that Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei fully supported Mr Goff and his council and hoped to maintain a good working relationship.
Mr Goff said he wanted to work with Ngāti Whātua in developing a better city in "a partnership between the Māori people of this place and those who have come subsequently".
"And we will do what we can to work together for the betterment of Māoridom, but for the betterment of all of Auckland."
In 1978, hundreds of protesters were forcibly removed from Bastion Point by police and the army.
The government at the time had planned to sell the area to developers for up-market housing.