March 10, 2013
Government’s plan for water management
Iwi Leaders have welcomed the release of the Government’s plan for the reform of water management.
The plan kicks for touch the vexed issues of tradable permits, usage charges or other market-based mechanisms, saying those sorts of complex options need to be considered over the next five to 10 years as changes are implemented.
Environment Minister Amy Adams highlighted a proposed statutory requirement that councils explicitly consider iwi views before decisions on freshwater were made.
It also proposes more collaborative planning and fewer appeal rights.
Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, the Chair of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group, says providing for iwi rights and interests in freshwater is critical to developing a durable water management regime.
He says the plan is a good starting point, and his group will plan regional and national hui to discuss the issue with iwi.
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