Attempts to stop a new commercial venture on Mt Tarawera are being made through the Maori Land Court.
Ruben Perenara, of Matata, a descendant of three of the Maori owners of the mountain, has filed an urgent application with the court, citing concerns about the latest actions of Maori trustees who were appointed to manage the mountain on behalf of the Ngati Rangitihi owners.
A joint venture between the seven-member trust, known as Mount Tarawera Trust, and a Rotorua tourism operator started yesterday.
The trust is working with New Zealand Helicopters, owned by Steve Collins of Rotorua, who will have sole tourism rights.
Concerns have been expressed about the prices set for people who want access to the mountain.
The fee for walking up the mountain has gone from $2 to $23 and vehicle prices have risen from $35 a car to $57, plus $23 for each person in the vehicle.
Mr Perenara said his application to the court had three parts. Two related to the trustees' actions, and one to the actions of the trust's legal adviser, David Rangitauira.
Mr Rangitauira said yesterday that he had no comment because he knew nothing about the court application.
Trust chairman Leith Comer was not available for comment. The other trustees are Pet Amai-Brady, Lyn Hartley, Bob Schuster, Ani Tuna, Duke Depa and Neil Raureti.
Mr Perenara said his application related to the "manner the trustees were conducting their work.
"The land is a reserve and a very sacred place. It has not been set aside as a commercial asset ... I think the trustees have not really taken into account that it is a reserve."
A Ngati Rangitihi descendant said it was possible some Maori would conduct a quiet protest within the next few days at the base of the mountain.
- NZPA
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