Ngāti Te Kohera Protests Housing Development at Lake Whakamaru

The hapū of Ngāti Te Kohera has occupied part of the Lake Whakamaru Reserve to protest a proposed housing development that threatens their cultural heritage. The plan, which involves the construction of 66 homes on land purchased by developer Johnathan Quigley in 2022, seeks to rezone the area from a general rural zone to a rural lifestyle zone.

The development has raised significant concerns among the hapū regarding its potential impact on the local environment and their historical ties to the land. Representatives from Ngāti Te Kohera assert that the project could obscure their history beneath concrete and consent forms. They have highlighted specific worries about the risk of wastewater contamination affecting the lake, which holds cultural significance for the community.

In response to the development plans, Ngāti Te Kohera initiated a noho whenua, or land occupation, at Lake Whakamaru, starting in early November 2023. This action reflects their commitment to protecting the land and the lake, which are integral to their identity and heritage.

Quigley has stated that he has made “significant lengths” to address the community’s concerns. He claims to have engaged in discussions with hapū representatives and has proposed measures to mitigate any negative environmental impacts. Despite these assurances, the hapū remains unconvinced, emphasizing the importance of their cultural values over commercial interests.

The proposed development continues to stir debate in the region, as local residents and environmental advocates closely monitor the situation. The outcome may not only affect the hapū but also set a precedent for future developments in culturally sensitive areas across South Waikato.

As the occupation continues, Ngāti Te Kohera seeks to raise awareness of their plight and the broader implications of the proposed housing project. They are urging stakeholders to engage in a more meaningful dialogue that respects their cultural heritage and the environmental integrity of Lake Whakamaru.