Rotorua Mayor Tania Tapsell says the council fully supports Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata’s plans to expand its campus for a growing student roll, describing Rotorua Airport’s opposition to the development as “surprising.”

The kura, located beside Ruamata Marae near the airfield, is seeking to build a new classroom to accommodate increasing numbers of tamariki. However, Rotorua Airport has opposed the expansion plan, citing unresolved safety concerns.

Mayor Tapsell noted that while Rotorua Lakes Council is the 100% shareholder of Rotorua Airport, the entity operates with an independent board and chief executive who raised safety issues regarding the proposal.

“Quite honestly the view of the council, who is 100% shareholder in the Rotorua Airport, is quite surprising,” Mayor Tapsell said. “As long as the safety concerns can be addressed it should be fine, but that decision is not with us as a council.”

Tapsell emphasised the council’s commitment to supporting the community’s aspirations and acknowledging the historical context of the site. “We are mindful of the history of mamae there and we want to continue to not only reconnect whānau back to their land but also ensure they can reach their aspirations,” she said, assuring she will meet directly with the kura.

In response, TKKM o Ruamata Tumuaki Dr Cathy Dewes welcomed the council’s support but called on Rotorua Lakes Council to take an active role as the airport’s owner to help resolve the dispute and ask the airport to withdraw its opposition.

It is wonderful to hear the support from the Mayor and the council, Dr Dewes said.  And is looking forward to following up on this matter directly with the Mayor Tapsell.

Dr Dewes highlighted that the land was long occupied by Ngāti Uenukukōpako before being compulsorily acquired for the aerodrome, leaving a history of displacement. She reiterated that the kura is following the formal legal and independent process to address the airport’s opposition, ensuring tamariki receive safe and appropriate educational facilities on their ancestral land.

Read our previous story about Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Ruamata challenging Rotorua Airport here.