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Regional | Te Ururoa Flavell

Māori Development Minister takes legal advice over the sale of the Mapuna Atea farm.

Māori Development Minister, Te Ururoa Flavell, has taken legal advice over the sale of the Mapuna Atea farm.

The farm is being occupied by around 50 whānau of Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa.

New Zealand First challenged Mr Flavell to seek an injunction over the sale by the Māori Education Trust however legal advice received by the Minister suggests it is a private charitable trust meaning his hands are tied.

A spokesperson for Te Ururoa Flavell says the Minister is still looking at further options. It is also understood the potential purchaser of the land is due to meet with Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa next week to discuss the matter further.

The land was gifted by local farmer Edward Holmes in the 1960’s to support the education of Māori in the Wairarapa but the Board is now selling that block of land which Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa are hoping to have returned in its treaty settlement.

Those opposing the sale gathered at Mapuna Atea on Sunday night and say they are occupying the land to live out the dream that belonged to Edward Holmes.