May 19, 2017
Maori stake in gulf forum resented
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare is defending the place of mana whenua groups in managing assets like the Hauraki Gulf.
Lobby groups Hobson’s Pledge and Democracy Action are agitating against the Sea Change Marine Spatial Plan, which includes proposals for co-governance of the gulf by mana whenua and crown-appointed representatives.
Mr Henare says co-governance is a proven way to manage sensitive areas and natural resources.
"Most treaty settlements you see co-governance arrangements with the like of Te Papa Atawhai and government agencies and local councils but we continually come up against this stubborn racism that says the voice of mana whenua is no greater than the voice of others and we would argue that our longevity and history in places like the Hauraki Gulf and others, it is only right that we have a say," he says.
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