Kia ora koutou e te whānau,

The Chief Ombudsman’s final report investigating the complaint by members of our community has been released.  Read a copy of it on our website here

Our full media statement responding to this outcome is here

Here is a quick excerpt:

The Chief Ombudsman calls out the “defective process” that breached Te Tiriti/Treaty of Waitangi and been the cause of “considerable grievance” in the community which has now “tainted” the memorial.

“My view is that MCH should have consulted the wider local community and all Tāmaki Makaurau iwi comprising the mana whenua before forming a preference for any site in Auckland,” Chief Ombudsman Peter Boshier said.

He went on to confirm the “strong arguments” by Erebus family members against the location and the view of Auckland Council that while the site might be “workable” a better option would be closer to the airport.

Boshier encourages the Ministry under section 22 of the Ombudsmen Act 1975, to “resolve the sense of grievance that the failure to consult more widely has created”.

We invite mediation between affected parties convened by the Chief Ombudsman to take place as soon as possible.

As matters unfold, we will update you.

Thank you for standing with us to protect what exists, for upholding the mana and mauri of Te Hā and to ensure that there is integrity in government and official processes.

Ehara taku toa I te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini

Success is not the work of an individual, but the work of many.

Ngā mihi nui,

Dame Naida Glavish, Margaret Brough and the Protect Mataharehare Team