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Braemar Howell has been given the task to manage and remove debris.
We've recently heard that regardless of support from local Maori,
they've been left out of the cleaning process
despite their willingness to help.
We'll now cross live to Tauranga
where Willie Te Aho, spokesman for Ngati Ranginui awaits.
You say that you've been left out – why is that?
Although Braemar have tried to oust us, you heard Reon Tuanau,
one who grew up on the shores of Waihi and his passion on the topic –
we are working hard to renew our shores despite
Braemar's insistence that we stay away.
Why have Braemar decided to make this edict against the locals?
They don't want to work with the people of Tauranga.
From Waihi to Matakana and Motiti and back inland to Mauao
and Papamoa, those are the areas under the jurisdiction of the tribes
of Tauranga, but they would rather work with Allied Workforce.
We object to these outsiders coming in to clean our homeland.
Do you know why foreigners were engaged to fix the problem?
We are unsure because we have requested to speak with Braemar,
and they responded that we could meet tomorrow.
So we may find out tomorrow, but all we have to say is that
the sea, the shores and the land belong to us – we will care for it
and we will restore it.
I'm surprised at their attitude towards the locals –
it would be better for them to work with you.
No, they won't work with us. We've worked closely for two months.
On Friday we asked that they sign a contract,
but they have yet to reply. They're ignoring us.
Tomorrow, we will know why they are ignoring us.
We know that some ministers have been by for a look -
have you been in touch with them?
Yes. This morning, we spoke with Transport Minister Brownlee
and we told him that what's being done to us is unjust.
It's common knowledge that the majority of Matakana,
Motiti and Mauao land is Maori owned,
so if they don't work with us,
they will not be granted access onto our lands.
That's all we have time for, but we wish you luck and strength.