Doctor Forced to Sell Property at $130,000 Loss Due to Indigenous Claim

A doctor in the small North Island town of Kaitāia may leave after 35 years, having been left with no option but to sell his property at a loss after it was occupied by a local iwi (Māori tribe), exacerbating the critical shortage of doctors in the area. The dispute centres on a culturally significant pōhutukawa tree situated on the property. General Practitioner Cecil Williams and his wife Marna Williamsbought the section after confirming the absence of land claims to other issues. After being assured there were none, they bought it for $500,000 (US$328,000). Since the tree was not listed as protected or significant on the Far North District Council’s website, Dr. Williams partially felled it to make room for a house to be built....