Listen Now: 
Download AudioA far north iwi asset manager is warning proposed changes to the emissions trading scheme will penalise Maori landowners.
Forestry Minister Stuart Nash and Climate Change Minister James Shaw are seeking feedback on a plan to exclude exotic species from the permanent forest category when it comes to earning carbon credits.
Te Aupouri economic development manager Penetaui Klescovic says the ministers are listening to farming interests hostile to forests rather than to people with interest in trees.
He says post-settlement iwi don’t want to be told what they can or can’t do with their whenua – or be locked into options that don’t make economic sense.
“Ministers Shaw and Nash want to force the New Zealand taxpayer, by spending taxpayer money, to buy carbon credits offshore. They could get them from Switzerland or from other areas in Europe that are prolific tree growers. I can’t see the point when Taitokerau or Te Arawa, Tūhoe, we can have the homegrown option,” Mr Klescovic says.
Penetaui Klescovic says if the Government persists with the policy, it can expect a hikoi on its doorstep.
RELATED NEWS
