Ancient feud rekindled over Mount

Iwi want it to stay a historic reserve. Picture / Bay Of Plenty Times

Fallout from an ancient battle between two Bay of Plenty sub-tribes looks set to be re-ignited following a Tauranga District Council decision to return Mt Maunganui to iwi.

Ngaiterangi one of Tauranga's main hapu groups has vowed to oppose the inclusion of Te Puke-based Waitaha of Te Arawa in decision-making over the mountain.

Protests or a boycott of an initialling ceremony by Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia scheduled for today in Tauranga are being considered.

The wrangle started after the announcement last week by Colin Bidois, chairman of Te Runanganui O Tauranga Moana which represents Ngati Ranginui, Ngati Pukenga, Ngaiterangi and Waitaha of Te Arawa iwi, that the council had agreed to transfer ownership of Mt Maunganui, or Mauao, to Maori.

The decision has outraged Ngaiterangi chairman Hauata Palmer, who labelled the inclusion of non-resident hapu Waitaha as "opportunism".

Mr Palmer said Waitaha lost any influence over the mountain when it was defeated in the Battle of Kokowai, at the hands of Ngaiterangi in the 1700s. This battle followed the defeat of Ngaiterangi by Waitaha at Maketu, forcing them to abandon their lands and leave the region.

Ngaiterangi went on to develop Mauao into an extensive 40ha settlement, before being attacked and massacred in 1820 by Ngapuhi warriors armed with muskets who killed more than 400 and took 260 prisoners.

The land was later forcibly acquired by the Government in the late 1800s.

Maori were compelled to pay for land surveys of the mountain, which most could not afford, forcing sales of the land to pay the debt.

Tauranga Moana Rununga general manager Maureen Ririnui said a mandating hui involving all parties was planned for this weekend and a vote would be taken on the issue.

She said management and administration of the mountain remained with the Tauranga District Council.

"This is a recognition of Maori tangata whenua status."

She said the local iwi wanted Mauao to remain a historic reserve, unable to be developed, with Maori recognition of ownership retained.

Mr Palmer said Ngaiterangi had remained opposed to Waitaha's involvement.

"The iwi is now at the point where it will act to make people sit up and take notice. We mean business," he said.

"Our kaumatua have vowed to be uncompromising to ensure that Mauao is continued to be cared for by the three rightful iwi."

Mr Horomia said the Government was preparing legislation for the proposed transfer, but it would require the approval of Tauranga Moana iwi members.


The mountain

* Mt Maunganui is known as Mauao to Maori. It means "caught by the dawn".
* The 232m high mountain is the site of an ancient Maori pa, and battle sites.
* The Tauranga District Council has agreed to transfer ownership back to Maori.