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The New Zealand Maori Council wants the wider public brought into the debate over water policy.
The council is critical of the secrecy which marks the interactions between the Government and the Iwi Leaders Group on the issue.
Co-chair Sir Taihakurei Durie says the allocation and use of water is something that affects all New Zealanders.
" What we see with the government is not a policy at all but rather a pandering to economic interests. No one would deny that economic interests are important, we all depend upon economic growth for our own survival. But it is a case of making sure the development is right " he says.
Sir Taihakurei says while the Government is keen to talk with the major tribes, the way it is going about it threatens to upset the historical balance between tribes that has been maintained since 1840.
FOR THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH SIR TAIHAKUREI DURIE CLICK ON THE LINK
http://www.waateanews.com/play_podcast?podlink=MjYxNzA=
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