Meri Kirihimete! Merry Christmas! Nga mihi o te tau hou kia koutou katoa! Happy New Year everyone!
Know that as the summer days shine on and the Pōhutukawa bloom, our peaceful protection of Mataharehare Pā site, Dove Myer Robinson Park and Te Hā, continues, with many protectors choosing to hold the gates of the park throughout the holiday season.
For this unwavering support and yours throughout 2021, we are eternally grateful. This kaupapa gets stronger by the day as together we hold the space for due democratic process to occur – including for New Zealanders to learn about what they are set to lose, if the Ministry’s plans are not stopped.
It has been a year of great challenges however we are not going anywhere and live in hope that that the Ministry for Culture and Heritage reflects and reconsiders.
Choosing instead to prevent any further breaches of the Rāhui, to listen to the Office of the Ombudsman, and most importantly, to listen to the voices of the people.
Mauri ora!
Ngā mihi nui
www.SOSNZ.org.nz
OUR COLLECTIVE ‘HOLIDAY WATCH’ CONTINUES!
Peaceful protectors are manning the park gates 24/7. Why are we doing this? To prevent any further fencing being brought in.
We were all shocked by the move before Christmas by contractors engaged by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage to enter the site under the cloak of darkness. Instead of respecting the official process, the site preparation comes before the release of the Ombudsman’s report.
The planned works are not minor and would cause irreversible damage to this ancient Pā site, historic park, and to Te Hā, the great Pōhutukawa that is as old as Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
Site preparation includes the construction of a massive turning circle and haul road for articulated vehicles and cranes, and the widespread insertion of services trenching / cuttings that would sever a large proportion of the roots of the great tree.
In addition to the roots crushing and cutting, the implications of the planned annual cut-back are illustrated in this video (you may need to copy and paste into your browser window):
We acknowledge Conan Fitzpatrick for his incredible work in creating each of these videos.
MEET A PEACEFUL PROTECTOR
Heather Levack, travels from her retirement village in Hillsborough daily, and does regular shifts overnight, sleeping in the back seat of her car at the park gates, to prevent Naylor Love’s (building contractor) vehicles from coming in.
She is the daughter of the late Sir Dove Myer Robinson, long-time Mayor of Auckland whose service to the city is remembered by a small plaque, and in the naming of the park.
“I will do anything to save this park from desecration. The Ministry’s plans would destroy this vital, green sanctuary, to take it away from the people of Auckland who need it now more than ever. The arrogance is shocking. When politicians fail us, it’s our duty to stand up to protect what exists for future generations.”
Listen to Heather and some of our other peaceful protectors here (you may need to copy and paste the link into your browser window):
https://fb.watch/aejjrS4Xsl/
VISIT US ANYTIME – NAU MAI HAERE MAI!
If you are from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland or travelling here for the summer, come by Mataharehare Pā site, Dove Myer Robinson Park. Meet our peaceful protectors, and if you have time do a shift or two on the gates.
The park is a beautiful place to camp, with Judge’s Bay at the foot of the park – and plenty of good company! Email contact@SOSNZ.org.nz if you have any questions.
PETITION NEARLY TOPS 25K
Our petition, instigated by Erebus whānau member, Margaret Brough is nearing 25,000. This includes the hard-copy signatories that are not counted on the website.
Please share this petition with anyone you know. Do they need more information? If so, visit www.SOSNZ.org.nz