Last Updated on March 13, 2013
There’s a fair amount of spin being put on this, but it’s interesting to see how the New Zealand Government has responded (allegedly, because it would take too long to take another course – like forced removal…)
From Whenua, Fenua, Enua, Vanua: Maori involved in the illegal occupation of two schools, including alleged vandalism and apparent theft of thousands of litres of water, are set to be rewarded with free land leases. The proposed deal has outraged the National Party, which says it sets a precedent for ”bullying” protesters who take over disputed Government property, trash it then get their way.
Leaked Education Ministry documents show the Treaty Settlements Office is prepared to lease Taranaki’s disused Pihama and Te Kiri schools to two occupying hapu at no cost.
The schools have allegedly suffered $23,000 damage, including broken locks and windows, graffiti and stolen fittings. (read the full story)
Also see: here and here
Across the world right now, Indigenous peoples are facing a renewed assault on their lands, rights, and ways of life.
From extractive industries pushing deeper into ancestral territories, to governments rolling back hard-won protections,
the threat is global—and it is growing.
What makes this moment especially dangerous is how little attention it receives.
Stories like this are disappearing in real time. Mainstream media
barely covers it and the coverage is fragmented. The public is left without the context
needed to understand what is truly at stake.
That is exactly why IC Magazine exists..
For more than 20 years, IC has reported on Indigenous struggles worldwide — consistently, independently, and without compromise.
We don’t follow news cycles; we trace patterns. We don’t sensationalize; we provide context.
And when the world looks away, we stay focused.
But this work is increasingly difficult to sustain.
We refuse to lock our reporting behind a paywall. We don’t sell access through subscriptions.
And we don’t answer to advertisers. IC Magazine survives solely because readers like you choose to
support independent Indigenous journalism.
Please donate today if you can. Every contribution helps us to continue this crucial work.
Thank you,
John Ahni Schertow
Founder and Editor in Chief
