More Information Sought on Potential Sale of Leasehold Land

The possible sale of 544ha of leased land around Egmont Village is on hold while New Plymouth District Council seeks further information from the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations.

The Council had previously decided to give the 20 leaseholders the first right to buy the title to their leased land, subject to public consultation.

However, tonight (Tuesday) the Council lay the issue on the table while the Office of Treaty Settlements decides if the Crown is interested in acquiring the land for use in treaty settlements.

Chief Executive Barbara McKerrow has already been in touch with the Minister, and is awaiting a response.

Mayor Peter Tennent says it is sensible to get all the relevant information before making a decision on the land’s future.

“As a Council we aren’t leaning one way or the other in regards to a sale,” he says.

“We’ve heard from the leaseholders that they want to buy the freehold interest, and we’ve heard from Te Atiawa Iwi Authority through the consultation process that they want it land-banked with the Office of Treaty Settlements so it can be used in a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

“What we don’t know yet is if land-banking with the Crown is even an option.

“Giving Council officers more time to get an answer from the Minister for Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations will mean Councillors will have the full picture when we meet again to consider whether we sell this land at all – and if so, to whom.”

The Junction Road Endowment Land Leases comprise 25 perpetual leases, across 544ha, held by 20 leaseholders.

In June 2008 the endowment land was valued at $7.57 million. The majority of the leases are only renewed at 21 year intervals, and the latest lease renewal valuations will see a three per cent rental rate on the unimproved value.

The land was originally acquired by the Crown from Maori owners in 1865 under the New Zealand Settlements Act. In 1877 the Crown vested the land in Taranaki County Council under the Taranaki County Reserves Act 1877, allowing the Council to lease the land and apply the rents to the improvement of Junction Road.

In 1989 the local government amalgamations saw Taranaki County Council merge with other local authorities to form New Plymouth District Council.

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