New Zealand First deputy leader Shane Jones says Te Tai Rāwhiti needs to be pragmatic about its economic future.
Te Weu Charitable Trust, a collective of local researchers and activists, is holding several citizens’ assemblies in November to discuss the future risks and opportunities for transitioning away from forestry-intensive practices in the region.
Jones says he tried to establish a barge for logs in Hick’s Bay during Jacinda Ardern’s first term, but local opposition ended the development.
Ignoring the philosophy of the region’s past leaders for practical solutions only jeopardizes the community’s future.
“These are areas where the generation of Sir Apirana Ngata and Wi Pere, in that ilk of Māori leadership, were prepared to practice environmental pragmatism. And if you’re not going to embrace that, what are your alternatives, welfare? Okay, I know people like eating kina, but since when did the odd feed of kina outstrip the importance of spending 50 to $60 million in future-proofing infrastructure for another 100 years? That’s what I mean,” says Jones
