David Farrar: We need transparency over when Iwi are paid not to object

Don Brash e-mailed:

Hobson’s Pledge has always stood firmly for the protection of private property rights. When a major infrastructure project directly impacts local communities or land, it is completely right for legitimate, proportionate claims to be recognised and mitigated.

But what is happening right now with the Port of Tauranga expansion is not a defence of property rights. It is something else entirely.

Mike's Minute: Why hasn't fast-track helped the Port of Tauranga?

Let me ask you this: if fast-track is the answer, then why do we still have the Port of Tauranga problems?

Surely I don’t need to go through the fine detail of what is one of this country's most embarrassing modern travesties.

Pee Kay: Consultants or Extortionists?

Last week, one of my mailing group emailed me about claims that a Tauranga iwi is allegedly demanding $45 million to withdraw objections to the Port of Tauranga’s expansion plans.

Naturally this piqued my curiosity, so I decided to do some digging.

It was not difficult to find the story online but it was impossible to find a mention of the $45m, – except on The Platform with Shane Jones. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-E8_UzHCuW4

Duncan Garner: "$450 Million For One Hapu?" - Port of Tauranga dispute

New Zealand has officially entered dangerous territory with an extraordinary compensation demand linked to one of our most critical export hubs. In this episode of Duncan Garner, Editor-in-Chief, we look into the shocking legal submissions connected to the Port of Tauranga expansion. Representatives for Ngāti Kuku are demanding between 335 million and 475 million dollars over 35 years for cultural impacts and revenue sharing. Duncan labels it a total standover and looks at how these massive financial demands threaten national productivity and scare off foreign investment.

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