Valentina Trustees charge over Far North pā site damage dismissed

Open Justice multimedia journalist, Whangārei·NZ Herald·15 Nov, 2026 02:00 AM5 mins to read‌Sandra Heihei looks out onto the cleared land, which is recorded site of great significance for the descendants of Muriwhenua and Ngāti Kahu. Photo / NZMEThe archaeological damage was obvious. The culprit was not.In a stinging ruling, an Environment Court judge has dismissed a prosecution over earthworks at an ancient Far North pā site, finding that critical gaps left a fundamental question unanswered. Who actually destroyed the site? That missing piece sank Heritage