Maori occupy farm in clash over claims

A group of Far North Maori were last night occupying shearers' cottages on a 2275ha cattle and sheep station about 10km south of Mangonui.

About 20 members of the local Ngati Aukiwa hapu say they will stay on the big Stony Creek block until they can discuss disputed mandating and land ownership issues with the Office of Treaty Settlements.

Group spokesman Wilfred Peterson said Ngati Aukiwa believed there was unextinguished native aboriginal title to the Stony Creek land, and they wanted to see evidence of a bill of sale to show that title was extinguished.

They have told the farm manager they will not interfere with stock movement or day-to-day management of the farm.

The former Landcorp property was land-banked in 1995 by the settlements office for possible use in a treaty settlement.

It is within the district of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa, and the Crown has recognised the mandate of the Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa Trust Board to represent local Maori in negotiating a settlement of their claims in the area.

Ngati Aukiwa oppose the trust board's mandate and the inclusion of their claims in board negotiations with the Crown.

Senior Constable Shaun Palmer, of Mangonui, said the scene at the shearers' quarters was peaceful yesterday.

About 10 adults and a similar number of children were present.

He said they appeared to be trying to get their point across "to other authorities".

Police were maintaining "a monitoring position" and were "liaising with all parties".

Mr Peterson told the Herald the group would be there on Christmas Day.

"It will be just like any other day," he said.

The Office of Treaty Settlements' manager for policy and negotiations, Esther King, said Ngati Aukiwa could take part in settlement negotiations through their marae representatives on the trust board.

"This is a mandate issue dispute between Ngati Aukiwa and the trust board," she said.

"There have been a number of efforts to try to resolve their concerns but all have been unsuccessful."

In October, the Crown and the trust board signed terms of negotiation for settlement of Ngatikahu ki Whangaroa claims.

The issue of whether the Stony Creek farm is part of a commercial redress package is also being discussed.

Ms King said the settlements office and police were working to resolve the latest occupation.

In November last year, up to 5km of boundary and internal fencing were destroyed on the farm.

Gates were removed and chains cut.

The repair bill totalled more than $30,000.