April 09, 2019
Water flow, not word flow PGF aim
Regional Economic Developement Minister Shane Jones says he won't fund any meetings to talk about who owns water – but he's more than happy to help Māori gain an allocation and use it.
The Provincial Growth Fund last week earmarked up to $18.5 million for water storage projects in Kaipara and the mid north.
Money is also going into similar schemes on the East Coast.
Hapū and regional councils have been told is for activity that leads to capital decisions rather than endless hui and policy seances.
"So the importance of the money allocated to the north is to identify water storage opportunities, work through the design challenges and the statutory consents and move into construction. I'm really keen to play a role in the broader Māori water dynamic that leads to the provision of water onto land, more jobs and unleashing the potential of the land. I'm totally disinterested in sovereignty over water and such matters," Mr Jones says.
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