July 11, 2013
Iwi supports freshwater reforms
South Island iwi, Ngāi Tahu, is welcoming the Government’s decision to open up water management to a wider group, including iwi.
A reform action plan announced by the Minister of Environment, Amy Adams, includes provision for a representative group of stakeholders drawn from the community to work together on water management, rather than it just be the responsibility of local government.
The plan adopts many of the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum, which included iwi input.
Ngāi Tahu chair, Sir Mark Solomon, says the reforms recognise that iwi should be involved upfront on matters concerning freshwater resources, primarily governance, collaborative planning and setting limits.
He says regional hui held by iwi leaders over the past month, show iwi want immediate change and they are keen to be involved.
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