February 13, 2023
Iwi bracing for three waters tweaks
A Wellington iwi leader says Maori will be concerned at any major change of direction in the three waters infrastructure reform.
Prime Minister Chris Hipkins has asked new Local Government Minister Kieran McAnulty to consider what changes might be needed, while saying the need for reform is unquestionable.
Taranaki Whanui and Port Nicholson Block chair Kara Puketapu-Dentice says the Prime Minister has signalled changes in language, usch as talking about mahi tahi raher than co-governance.
But he says iwi have broadly supported the new legislation which gives them a say in how water will be managed.
“THere’s definitely going to be a toning down of the language the Government is going to use around this. There will be some changes around the edges of the legislation and I think that is going to be a hard pill to swallow for Maori. At the end of the day we’re never leaving, we’re always going to be here. If we have to continue the fight we will continue the fight,” Mr Puketapu -Dentice says.