November 15, 2017
Bill due for Lake Taupo use
Tuwharetoa hopes a court case over commercial use of Lake Taupo will resolve concerns over its stewardship.
Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board chief executive Topia Rameka says it has what are in effect lease agreements with 40 users, and it has been talking to another 50.
He says the declaratory judgment should make clear what the tribe gained when it was granted title to the lake bed.
He denies it’s just about fees and money.
"Having an agreement in place with commercial operators requires a number of things to be in place including environmental considerations, safety for all passengers, ensuring that our stories are told properly, and fees are only one component of a larger agreement," Mr Rameka says.
Tuwharetoa is working towards a substantive hearing in February.
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