Whakatāne District Council last month finalised the sale of 5 Miro Drive, Murupara selling the 1.7-hectare property to Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Manawa.

The Miro Drive property came into Council ownership when the Murupara Borough Council was amalgamated with Whakatāne District Council in 1989.

Council’s Strategic Property Manager Vanessa Fergusson said the property was rezoned from reserve to residential status in 2012 and has sat vacant for years.

“Last year Ngāti Manawa approached Council to share their moemoeā (vision) for the revitalisation of Murupara and expressed an interest in the Miro Drive land knowing it would be the foundation to unlocking their vision for the Murupara community.”

“Staff worked hard to make this happen and we were delighted when we got the approval to progress a sale at the end of last year,” Ms Fergusson said. 

“This is what it’s all about. Enabling our partners to progress and find opportunities which ensure their communities get the investment in their town’s future.

Kani Edwards, Chairman of Te Runanga o Ngati Manawa Trust, acknowledged and thanked Council for working with Ngāti Manawa to have the land returned.

“We see this as just one of many opportunities where having a true partnership with Council and sharing our vision is going to benefit our people and the community of Murupara for many years to come.”