October 08, 2018
Water for Māori development sought
The chair of Kāhui Wai Māori, the new Māori Freshwater Forum, says it will look for practical steps to improve Māori access to water.
The Government's blueprint to improve freshwater quality released yesterday includes an acknowledgement Māori need fair access to water to develop their land.
Kingi Smiler says there has been a lot of discussion and analysis over the past decade but no meaningful action has been taken.
He says any claims of water ownership will be dealt with in another forum.
"This programme is saying there is the opportunity to equitably allocate some resources to Māori land development, particularly undeveloped Māori land. In terms of dealing with customary rights, that's not a particular aspect we are addressing in this particular programme," Mr Smiler says.
Kāhui Wai Māori will hold consultation on its programme in the new year.
Copyright © 2018, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com