It does have 11 archaeological sites, and submissions from an iwi collective call it "a last remaining strong connection to tūpuna" and say it contains former living places and valued wetlands.
"Otamatea is an extremely important area. Our people lived there and there have been many events there," Whanganui Lands Negotiation Trust (WLSNT) chairman Ken Mair said.
There were 16 submissions to Whanganui District Council on the proposed plan change. Developer Keryn Amon said the land was sought after for new housing and the Bennett Family Trust submission suggested the housing area be extended to Sandcroft Dr and across to Taylor and Tayforth Rds.
Another submitter wanted the minimum size of sections removed, to allow for more flexibility and density. The New Zealand Transport Agency wanted more input on proposed new roads and their intersections with SH3.
Submissions closed in October and a hearing was held on December 11 and 12, by independent commissioners Christine Foster and Rau Kirikiri and Whanganui councillor Alan Taylor.
The iwi collective, which comprised Ngā Rauru Kiitahi, Te Rūnanga o Tupoho and the WLSNT, made a presentations. Ngā Rauru wanted a name change for the area.
"Zoning rural land to residential would perpetuate cultural disconnect and lead to
further destruction of ancestral sites and heritage. Tangata whenua have aspirations
to reconnect with the ancestral lands which were taken from them as part of the 1848
land confiscation," its submission said.
All three wanted more input into what happens in this area. Mr Mair said the health and wellbeing of water was a priority, and there was midden (debris from human activity) remaining in the ground there.
Discussion and refinement of the plan is ongoing. None of the parties want to comment or guess the possible result. A decision from the hearing committee is expected in June.
The other areas the council considers suitable for new houses are Springvale and central Whanganui.
The plan change is part of a review of the Whanganui District Plan.
