September 24, 2012
Joint submission likely on water plan
A tribal negotiator is picking iwi to come together with a response to the water consultation hui.
The Government is limiting discussion to the Waitangi Tribunal’s suggestion that shares plus some management or governance role could settle any Maori interest in the state owned power generators.
Ngati Koroki Kahukura negotiator Willie Te Aho says while Waikato Tainui boycotted the first hui because its views are already known, Te Arawa, Tuwharetoa, and Whanganui iwi turned up to object to the process.
He says unlike the February consultation on the law change to allow the partial privatisations, a joint submission is contemplated.
“The message has been heeded. People will hear directly for themselves, attend the hui and they will make up their own minds, but then they will reach out and say ‘right, what are the common themes that will ensure I am consistent with my relations up north, on the west coast and down south” Mr Te Aho says.
He says iwi want consultation on a wider framework for recognising treaty rights in water than just the shares plus idea.
The next hui is on Wednesday at Te Kuiti