Development Enabling Bill passes 2nd reading

Legislation enabling a housing development at Point England and progress on Ngāti Paoa’s historical Treaty settlement passed its second reading by 62-43, on Wednesday May 23.The Point England Development Enabling Bill, announced early December 2016 by Minister Nick Smith, would enable reserve land in Point England to be re-zoned and used to build 300 houses by the local iwi Ngāti Pāoa as part of its Treaty settlement.Under the current proposal 12ha will be developed for housing and 2ha for a marae, as part of a Treaty settlement with Ngāti Paoa. The remaining 4ha will be added to the existing public reserve space.Related articles:Development Enabling Bill undermines RMA and Reserves Act, says local Board