KDC chief: Treaty mix-up makes no difference

Kaipara District Council and hapu have yet to sort out their differences over Dargaville's planned 50m pool.
It appears the Office of Treaty Settlements did not do its research properly when it advised - incorrectly - the Kaipara District Council that there were no outstanding Treaty of Waitangi claims on the pool site.
When halting the blessing of the new pool in early February, Te Kuihi claimant Robert Parore said his hapu had an unresolved claim on the land. He asked for construction to be stopped to allow for iwi consultation and further investigation.
The Office of Treaty Settlements had mistakenly said the Selwyn Park site was clear of Treaty claims and that was made public before construction began in late March.
The office has now admitted it made a mistake. A recent letter of apology to Mr Parore states: "You correctly state that [claim] Wai 188 is not settled insofar as it derives from a non-Te Roroa tupuna. Unfortunately this office mistakenly advised the Kaipara District Council in relation to this when it inquired as to the status of claims in relation to Selwyn Park."
The letter concluded with wishing Mr Parore well in his discussions with the council but declined to name the negotiating manager responsible for the oversight.
The same letter writer in an email to council notes the errors and expects aspects of the claim will be dealt with in the Ngati Whatua settlement process.
While the error and subsequent handling of events have offended claimants, according to council chief executive Jack McKerchar the final decision would not have been affected.
He said it was unfortunate the information received had been incorrect but it made little difference to the outcome.
Mr McKerchar said the council was entitled to build the pool as a recreational facility on the park, because the park was classified as a reserve vested in the council. He believed all statutory obligations had been followed. He said pool construction would continue and Mr Parore's concerns needed to be addressed through the Office of Treaty Settlements and not with the council.
Mr Parore, however, is not placated. In a letter to Mayor Neil Tiller he has demanded a public apology for the mishandling of the issues.
He said the council had "failed to act in a transparent and accountable manner which recognised and respected" Te Kuihi, and that by releasing incorrect information both he and Te Kuihi had been humiliated.
Meanwhile, excavation of the main pool has been completed, with the smaller learners-hydrotherapy pool expected to begin soon.
Concrete panels which line the pool's sides will be installed by mid-May.
The planned Labour Weekend opening is now expected to be delayed until late November.