Government continues to play obstinate
Ever since Housing Minister back in late May announce his now rather ill-thought out housing policy for Crown Land (well debatable there in some cases like the Manukau site) the entire thing through to know has been a rather slow moving train wreck for the Government.
Those watching the developments would know that Iwi including Ngati Whatua and Waikato-Tainui (two of the big Iwi in the Auckland region) have not been impressed with the Minister nor the Government.
Cue now resulting Court action.
From NewsTalk ZB:
Iwi taking action over Crown land plans
UPDATED 6.49PM: Two iwi have confirmed they’re taking court action over Crown land in Auckland.
Ngati Whatua and Waikato-Tainui are concerned plans to sell Crown property for residential development in Auckland could breach their right of first refusal to buy surplus Crown land.
Ngati Whatua’s Ngarimu Blair said time is of the essence when it comes to getting more housing in Auckland. For that reason lawyers have been instructed to file a statement of claim in the High Court in Auckland this week.
Ngarimu Blair is hopeful the courts will recognise the urgency of the matter and give it priority.
The iwi are behind the government’s affordable housing goals. However they want to seek clarification from the High Court, and have invited the Crown to join them in making a joint application.
Housing Minister Nick Smith claims that if government agency land isn’t needed, it is offered to other agencies. The right of refusal is only triggered if land goes to the open market for sale.
Smith sat down with iwi yesterday and says the discussions were constructive, with a lot of good will. However Smith said there was no mention of legal action.
“It certainly wasn’t raised when I met with the thirteen iwi. I think there are some different views among different iwi about it, but we’ll work through this in a considered way,” he said.
Prime Minister John Key is confident in the government’s position.
“Our issue isn’t working with iwi if they’re interested in working in developing social housing but this since couldn’t be used for social housing and the government would have no interest in disposing of it,” Key said.
But the government is facing accusations it’s making up its Auckland housing policy on the fly.
….
Source: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/auckland/housing-sell-off-court-action-possible/
First the Minister tries and sells of land that belongs to Auckland Council, now Iwi are upset. Any reason why the Back Bench has not revolted yet?
Talking Southern Auckland 
Bastion Point all over again.
Yep