October 09, 2012
Salmon farm dividing iwi
A top of the South Island iwi representative has claimed the expansion of salmon farming in the Marlborough Sounds will bring in a culture of backroom deals and bribery.
Raymond Smith from Ngati Kuia told the Environmental Protection Authority hearing into the King Salmon consent hearing that marine farming created conflict between iwi commercial and cultural arms.
He cited the flip flopping by Te Atiawa Manawhenua Ki Te Tau Ihu Trust, which switched its stance and now supports the application after reaching a confidential agreement with the company.
Te Atiawa representative Neville Watson told the hearing that progressive commercial investment is the way forward for his iwi.
He says there was no reason the iwi should not participate in fish farming if it can find ways to balance the economic and social welfare of its people with protecting the environment and culture.