Dannevirke: Iwi eager for more say over town domain

David Roberts

Dannevirke's Domain could be part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement, but it's not about taking away property or denying the community access, Dannevirke Community Board members were told.

Last week, Tararua district councillors debated issues surrounding a claim to the Crown by Rangitane O Tamaki Nui A Rua, the local tangata whenua.

The iwi has asked the Crown for joint management of four reserves in Tararua: the Dannevirke Domain, Makirikiri Recreation Reserve, Makirikiri Scenic Reserve and Hamua Recreation Reserve property in southern Tararua.

Council chief executive Blair King told councillors there was "a little bit of tension between our view and Parliament's intention".

Councillor David Roberts reminded councillors the Dannevirke Domain had been vested to the council and he thought it was appropriate for them to be given a third voting option - to exclude the domain from community consultation regarding the Treaty settlement.

"I think people may object to the domain (being included) and, at the moment, that would mean rejecting all four reserves," he said.

Mr Roberts asked for a third voting option to be included and was supported by councillor Jim Crispin.

However, Mr King said council wanted public feedback on the proposal.

"You are making a decision to decline a partnership with Rangitane on the domain and you need to be quite clear why," he said. "If you put in option three, I would be very nervous trying to craft wording and still meet the intent of the joint reserve management document."

Mr Roberts queried if council was concerned about the partnership agreement with Rangitane and why was it taking the issue to submission stage.

Council governance manager Richard Taylor said council needed community input and Mr King said it was important to make a decision which was best for the district.

"If we get a lot of submissions supporting option three, we would have trouble defending that option," he said.

Tararua district Mayor Roly Ellis said he didn't believe council should be leading anyone up a path. "Leave it to the people to make their own decisions," he said.

Mr Roberts' option three to exclude the Dannevirke Domain from the joint reserve management agreement was put to the vote. Councillors Carole Isaacson and Warren Davidson voted with Mr Roberts, but councillor Crispin, who had earlier supported the move, didn't vote in favour and the motion was lost.

A copy of the statement of proposal is available at the council's service centres and libraries in Dannevirke, Woodville, Pahiatua and Eketahuna. You can also download a copy from the council's website www.tararuadc.govt.nz

Submissions are open until Wednesday, March 5, with submission hearings in mid-March.