Site A is proposed to be part of a co-ownership deal between Tauranga City Council and local Māori. Image / TCC
A core chunk of Tauranga CBD real estate worth $16 million is being considered as part of a co-ownership deal that could see mana whenua lease the land for $1.
Tauranga City Council will meet today to decide on a potential partnership with Otamataha Trust – a trust that oversees property on behalf of Ngāti Tapu and Ngai Tamarawaho.
If successful, the deal could see the land between Wharf St, Willow St, Harington St and Durham St – known as Site A of the city’s civic precinct development Te Manawataki o Te Papa – transferred as part of a perpetual peppercorn lease.
However, this would only happen following public consultation.
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In his report to the council, strategic property team leader Phil Kai Fong said the council wanted to ensure the development “respects and reflects the significant history and importance of the area to mana whenua”.
“The relationship with mana whenua will be pivotal to the success of many of the outcomes to be achieved on the city precinct site.”
A non-binding accord has already been signed by the council and trust on July 11. The accord is considered to be an initial step to recording the collaborative partnership approach and intention of working together toward…
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