On June 5th, 2020, the Protect Nukuhau Campaign began spreading the word through Facebook about Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua Paa sites being threatened by Hamilton City Council and the New Zealand Transport Agency, Te Waka Kotahi NZ through the Peacocks and Amberfields development. Since then our campaign has undergone a lot of pressure from Hamilton City Council, from stealing and destroying the heritage to manipulating the history and genealogy of Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua. The abuse, including the genocide of Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua identity, has been nonstop since July 9th, 1863, when Governor George Grey declared war on Waikato. 

Waikato river basin  pictured from Nukuhau Paa in winter

Fast forward to July 9th, 2024. Hamilton City Council revealed its plans for a wastewater treatment plant to Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua, followed by a face-to-face meeting on the 21st of January, 2025, pointing out the exact location, less than a kilometer away from Nukuhau paa; however, it will use the Nukuhau paa gully and spring water stream as an inlet and to rush through the Urupa of Nukuhau paa, followed by a threatening letter to Protect Nukuhau founder and Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua spokesperson Te Kopa King about the agenda's confidentiality.

Although Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua disagree with Hamilton City Council's plans, they've decided to dishonor and disrespect the voice of mana whenua and go ahead anyway, sending out letters of their decision to our local community without any formal consultation, regardless of the Resource Management Act 1991, including the negative impacts and adverse effects it will have on our sacred land, community, tribe, environment, and culture. 

The Southern Links Wastewater Treatment Plant poses significant risks to our sacred land, impacting waahi tapu, the Nukuhau pa site, and urupa in Rukuhia. These are not just locations but are deeply tied to the heritage and cultural identity of our indigenous tribe, Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua. The proposed site threatens to disturb the freshwater springs and the mahinga kai, including eels that are integral to our ecosystem and culture.

Waikato river Basin pictured from Nukuhau paa in Autumn

The disruption of these natural and cultural sites could have irreversible consequences on the biodiversity of our environment. Our rich natural history, which has sustained generations and is vital to our well-being, stands to be permanently altered. Vital species that rely on this environment, like eels, as well as other local flora and fauna, are at risk. The health and well-being of our local community cannot be compromised by the development of this plant.

Waikato indigenous mokomoko, the Copper skink lizard  can be found at Nukuhau paa and along the banks of the Nukuhau Gully.

Relocation of the treatment plant is a necessary step towards preserving our environmental integrity and cultural heritage. Protecting these areas ensures the continued identity and survival of Ngaati Ngamurikaitaua and respects the natural balance that our ancestors have maintained for centuries.

We call upon the relevant authorities to find a more suitable location that does not infringe upon sacred sites and natural biodiversity. This is not just about protecting our past; it is about ensuring a sustainable future for our community and the generations to come.

Please join us in urging the decision-makers to relocate the Southern Links Wastewater Treatment Plant to prevent this looming environmental and cultural catastrophe. Sign this petition to make a difference.

We now have a parliament petition on behalf of Protect Nukuhau. Copy and paste the link provided below into your web browser, sign and share. 

https://petitions.parliament.nz/4a5779c1-162c-49c4-9b20-08de0ac20f72?lang=en