Ahu Whenua Trusts

NGATI KAHU TE PURA LANDS TRUST

Land Utilisation Report

The Lands Trust has been mandated by the beneficiary owners to administer and manage their shareholdings in the lands in and around the Te Pura estate. The Trustees meet on a monthly basis dealing with the everyday issues that arise and being responsible to the use of the land on behalf of its beneficiaries.

We currently have a short term lease arrangement with the Matthew whanau – they seek the opportunity through the Maori Land Court to manage their own affairs.

The top blocks known as Te Pura Lands are currently leased to Bill Webb who harvests maize and rye grass. We are reviewing the use of these lands as we have had other interests which may suit better but will not come to fruition for another year. The Te Pura shed is now leased to Te Repo Community Trust who will be running after school and school holiday programs.

We still have 2 hectares designated for light commercial. There has been interest of land term lease for an office block. Hopefully our younger generations can scope a project that will become a sustainable asset for our people. If you have any ideas, our committee would love to hear from you.

The sewer line is now complete and to date, there are five households connected.

The current rates issues will always be there but we have had recent discussions with Tauranga District council and we now know the rates that pertain to each block. TDC have applied generous rates remissions.

Future Land Development

The Trustees are looking to explore affordable housing opportunities for our people who may want to build or come home to build there are a number of Maori Housing schemes out there that we can take lead from. You are represented on the Western Bay Housing Forum whereby there is interest for your Trust to build homes. The Trustees will be calling a general hui for beneficiaries in August, 2011 to discuss the future housing development and the lease of small pockets of land. Currently there are three interested beneficiaries who have applied to build.

There is also an interest to lease some land for five years to Te Wharekura o Tauranga Moana for an interim kura kaupapa. We have met with the Ministry of Education but there is no more to report as yet.

Financial

As in previous years your Trustees have carried the thoughts of the beneficiaries to care for the Marae and its people, and that is reflected in the financial expenditure.

Your Committee

Phillip Hikairo - Chairperson, Cherrill Whaiapu - Treasurer

Trustees: Rana Witeri, Mokohiti Brown, Murray Bennett, Stephen Gates, Ngaronoa Reweti-Ngata

For further details contact: Phillip Hikairo on (027) 495 8385 or email: piripihikairo@xtra.co.nz

Maori Land On Line is an extension to the Maori Land Court website and can be found at www.justice.govt.nz or at www.maorilandonline.govt.nz