The Green Party calls for an immediate stop to the sewerage project on Lake Rotokākahi.
The Green Party has thrown its support behind a peaceful occupation at Lake Rotokākahi, calling for the controversial sewerage project to be halted until the Environment Court makes a decision. According to Green Party spokesperson Hūhana Lyndon, Māori land has been "confiscated, corrupted and condemned to degradation" for far too long.
The project poses an environmental risk to Lake Rotokākahi, a sacred site for Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tumatawera. The proposed sewerage pipeline path would desecrate this wāhi tapu (sacred lake), where the ancestors of these iwi (tribes) are believed to rest. For over a year, mana whenua have been protesting against the project through various means, including hīkoi and occupation.
Hūhana Lyndon criticized the institutions and legislation that support colonisation, stating they fail to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, neglect Māori interests, and harm the environment. She urged works to stop until the Environment Court has assessed the project. The Green Party's stance is a significant show of solidarity with the peaceful Lake Rotokākahi resistance.