August 16, 2021
Water tanks secure Te Hiku future
A far north iwi leader says an accord aimed at building on the Muriwhenua treaty settlements is gaining momentum.
Nine ministers were in Kaitaia last week for the annual hui to monitor the process of the Te Hiku Accord.
Te Rarawa chair Haami Piripi says it allows the crown to align its services with the priorities of iwi, and also gives the iwi better data for planning.
Recent advance have included the co-design of programmes to address family harm, and an $8 million programme to buy and install water tanks in homes and community facilities.
"That was a Kiritapu Allan king hit. She came in her ministerial capacity and she gave effect to what people have been promising for years and we are so impressed with her because she has the guts to stand up for what she really thinks should happen and she made the decision, which is quite a big decision, to fund 800 tanks," Mr Piripi says.
He says the Te Hiku Accord process is also allowing the iwi to use their settlement assets more effectively to create jobs and opportunities.
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