Post by Kiwi Frontline on Nov 29, 2019 2:40:51 GMT 12
IWI WARNS FOREST AND BIRD TO BACK OFF OVER WAITAHA
Forest and Bird's West Coast chairwoman, Kathy Gilbert, attended the board's meeting in Greymouth on Wednesday for support to have the pristine river catchment near Hokitika given National Park or Scenic Reserve status.
"The board's role is to promote the protection of an important piece of land. This is stewardship land at the moment and that is clearly inadequate."
The response from board member and Ngāti Waewae chair Francois Tumahai was instant and blunt.
"We are disgusted that no-one has contacted us about this, as the Treaty partner.
"We will be pushing back on this; we and Makaawhio (South Westland iwi) oppose it and the board should not be making any decisions about it," Tumahae said.
"I suggest you be very careful ... you have Treaty partner obligations and I will challenge you at the highest level. This is between the Crown and the iwi, not the conservation board.
"If you go ahead there will be ramifications. The board needs to tread carefully in its relationship with iwi.".....
www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/117789606/iwi-warns-forest-and-bird-to-back-off-over-waitaha
Forest and Bird's West Coast chairwoman, Kathy Gilbert, attended the board's meeting in Greymouth on Wednesday for support to have the pristine river catchment near Hokitika given National Park or Scenic Reserve status.
"The board's role is to promote the protection of an important piece of land. This is stewardship land at the moment and that is clearly inadequate."
The response from board member and Ngāti Waewae chair Francois Tumahai was instant and blunt.
"We are disgusted that no-one has contacted us about this, as the Treaty partner.
"We will be pushing back on this; we and Makaawhio (South Westland iwi) oppose it and the board should not be making any decisions about it," Tumahae said.
"I suggest you be very careful ... you have Treaty partner obligations and I will challenge you at the highest level. This is between the Crown and the iwi, not the conservation board.
"If you go ahead there will be ramifications. The board needs to tread carefully in its relationship with iwi.".....
www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/news/west-coast/117789606/iwi-warns-forest-and-bird-to-back-off-over-waitaha