It was proved during Treaty discussions with MP Finlayson that we had settlers, and many who are direct descendants of those early settlers, living in Devonport, whose heritage goes back further than those hanger-on tribes. These six- and seventh-generation settler families have more historical rights to many of these areas claimed as historical by these Māori latecomers.
Areas well documented had a settler ship arrive before any Māori tribes. Auckland families of European descent can trace their presence in places such as Devonport, Parnell, Onehunga or Howick back six or seven generations.
In terms of uninterrupted occupation by a particular family line, they indeed have lived in Auckland longer than many Māori tribal links and individuals currently representing iwi authorities.
I say, scrap the very costly, bloated Auckland Māori Advisory Board, along with the outdated, over-milked nonsense of the Māori electoral parliamentary seats.
