Well, it's official. In today's Otago Daily Times (7 June http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/waitati/163677/dispute-over-orokonui-constitution) under the headline "Dispute over Orokonui constitution", Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki's chairman Matapura Ellison confirmed that the runaka's support for Orokonui Ecosanctuary pivoted on some "symbolic formal recognition" in the long term. That's a repeat of the threat from the runaka that started this whole sorry saga - give us a permanent seat on the Otago Natural History Trust board or we'll withdraw support.
Other organisations, including the University of Otago, the Otago Museum and NHNZ, are content to have their relationship with Orokonui formalised in a Memorandum of Understanding. No demands for representation on the board, no standover tactics - just amicable discussion. What's so different about Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puketeraki?
Orokonui has bent over backwards to accommodate Kati Huirapa over the last 10 years. The runaka has had an unelected member on the board all this time, in contravention of the constitution. Te Reo Maori is used throughout the visitor centre and sanctuary. Land was provided free of charge for the pa harakeke. Displays and events in the visitor centre and learning centre promote Maori culture. Kati Huirapa have been invited to officiate at numerous species translocations. The list goes on.
How much more will Kati Huirapa demand? At what cost to the ecosanctuary's true purpose - providing safe and secure habitat for our threatened native species? Is Orokonui destined to become a Maori theme park?
