On April 25 the Prime Minister announced that her Government would be buying part of the Unitec campus to provide accommodation for some 4000 residents. This is an opportunity not only to provide needed homes near central Auckland, and Unitec with funding to complete their campus consolidation projects, but also to recognise Māori identity on this important site.

The area is has a sizeable number of iwi/hapū who are mana whenua: Ngāti Whātua, Te Akitai, Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Maru, Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngā Oho, Te Waiohua, and others. There is now the opportunity for the Government to bring these mana whenua together to seek their views on how the new development might best reflect Māori, as well as non-Māori identities. The iwi/hapū will be able to point out the important mountains in the area which are landmarks, so that views might be taken into account. The important puna in front of the Unitec marae, Te Wai Ununoa o Wairaka (which supports lifelong learning) needs to be protected along with the pā harakeke which has been tended by students and kaitiaki, and is now flourishing. The puna feeds the Auaunga which in turn flows into the Awa Whau, the Whau River. This was part of the ancient highway from Manukau to connect with the Waitematā. In addition the site has probably the only waterfall in Auckland and is still used for rituals, learning and enjoyment. Careful protection of the waterfall and waterways will likely be a shared priority of iwi and Auckland Council.