I first spoke to Betsy Tuanau who indicated that she was familiar with the proposal by the Coastguard Association. She explained that the matter had been aired and discussed at various meetings over the last couple of months.

She made mention of a previous possible site which appeared to lie due south of the motor camp and at the foot of the southern reserve. She pointed out that there were several burial grounds in the vicinity and therefore, that site was definitely out of the question.

In referring to site I lying due west of the motor camp on the opposite side of the road and at the foot of the hill, she could not recall of being told of any burials being made in that vicinity. She was aware of the history of that particular hill in relation to the burial ground on top adjacent to the newly built condominiums, however as far as she could recall, there was nothing tapu on the site labelled “Site I”.

She went on to say that the location of Site II was by far the most appropriate in terms of the protection of the hill. She did not want to see any development on that part of the reserve because it may open up to more development in future years.¹³⁵

In December 1991 the Otawhiwhi Marae Committee met. It was revealed that the Waihi Volunteer Coastguard preferred an alternate site to either site I or site II. They intended to build their clubhouse at Anzac Bay. This site commonly became known as the ‘water tank’ site. In July 1991, the marae had received a letter from the secretary of the coastguard requesting their support for the Anzac Bay water tank site. The marae responded that they were unable to make a decision at this stage because of a lack of detail concerning the new site. The coastguard chairman and secretary then decided to attend a marae committee meeting to seek a decision. The committee again replied they were, at that stage, unwilling to make a decision either way. At this point in the meeting, the coastguard members stated it would be less of a problem for everyone if they withdrew their application for the Anzac Bay site.¹³⁶ The marae assumed that this was the end of the matter. It was not. The coastguard proceeded with the Anzac Bay application without informing the marae committee.

The marae committee was against the water tank site for the following reasons:

1. First and foremost, the Reserve area should remain untouched due to its historical value i.e: close proximity to site of Te Kura a Maia pa and tapu burial grounds.

2. We feel that if the Waihi Beach Volunteer Coast Guard were permitted to build, it could set a precedent for other organisations who may feel the Reserve is an ‘ideal location’. How can one justify a two storeyed building at Anzac Bay, when years ago people, their homes and other properties were removed by court order to specifically to create an area of enjoyment for all.

¹³⁵ Maori Liaison Officer, Notes on Waihi Beach Coastguard Site, 7 October 1991, Katikati Domain Records, WBoPDC [pp 35-36]

¹³⁶ Te Whanau o Otawhiwhi to Chief Executive Officer District Council, 4 December 1991, Katikati Domain Records, WBoPDC [pp 30-31]