Listen Now: 
The fight over water in the Hawkes Bay is heating up, with about 300 tractors taking part in a protest yesterday against Hawkes Bay Regional Council’s management of the resource.
Ngati Kahungunu chair Ngahiwi Tomoana says the council's refusal of water to growers during the recent drought was like refusing water to save people in a burning building.
He says the iwi had been prepared to let growers use some of the water it holds a right to in the Ngaruroro River, but the offer was stymied by council red tape.
The iwi is also fighting consents for the proposed Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.
Mr Tomoana is angry the Department of Conservation held back a report saying the Ruataniwha scheme could kill rivers in the region.
Conservation Minister Nick Smith is denying he suppressed the report, saying the department held it back because of a conflict of interest over its role.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
RELATED NEWS
