April 02, 2015
Timetable set for water talks
A member of the Iwi Leaders Freshwater Group is positive about progress towards getting agreement on Maori interests in waters.
Since the New Zealand Maori Council-led case challenging the sale of shares in state-owned power generators, Deputy Prime Minister Bill English and other ministers have met with the iwi leaders every couple of months.
Ngahiwi Tomoana from Ngati Kahungunu says iwi technical experts are working with officials on policy details, and there should be progress within the year.
We've agreed on a time frame to come up with a draft on where iwi rights and interests, including ownership in the tikanga sense, can fit in the whole water management regime for the country,” he says.
Mr Tomoana says while the iwi leaders’ strategy is to negotiate rather than litigate, it is keeping close contact with the New Zealand Maori Council which is preparing in case court action is needed in future.
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