Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 3, 2016 17:27:44 GMT 12
IWI ADVOCATE FOR STRONGER ROLE IN WATER PLAN
IWI made strong calls for Maori cultural values to be recognised in the District Council’s freshwater plan on the first day of hearings yesterday.
Runanganui chairman Selwyn Parata said they were there as the people of the land, extending from Potikirua to Toka a Taiau.
“We are the people, we are the river, we are the land and the land is us,” he said.
The Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust recommended that a memorandum of understanding be created between the iwi and the council.
It noted that water was an integral part of Rongowhakaata iwi culture. It had spiritual meaning and played an important part in the wellbeing of the iwi.
The Te Arai River was a taonga and should be recognised separately from the Waipaoa.
“Most of the water for the city comes from our lands. It comes across our tribal area to feed all your people. That is the the reason we are here.
“We don’t want to be ignored. We don’t want to be pushed aside like some interest group. Remember we are signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi. We have mana to the lands here and to the waters.”.....
gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2410714-135/iwi-advocate-for-stronger-role-in
IWI made strong calls for Maori cultural values to be recognised in the District Council’s freshwater plan on the first day of hearings yesterday.
Runanganui chairman Selwyn Parata said they were there as the people of the land, extending from Potikirua to Toka a Taiau.
“We are the people, we are the river, we are the land and the land is us,” he said.
The Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust recommended that a memorandum of understanding be created between the iwi and the council.
It noted that water was an integral part of Rongowhakaata iwi culture. It had spiritual meaning and played an important part in the wellbeing of the iwi.
The Te Arai River was a taonga and should be recognised separately from the Waipaoa.
“Most of the water for the city comes from our lands. It comes across our tribal area to feed all your people. That is the the reason we are here.
“We don’t want to be ignored. We don’t want to be pushed aside like some interest group. Remember we are signatories to the Treaty of Waitangi. We have mana to the lands here and to the waters.”.....
gisborneherald.co.nz/localnews/2410714-135/iwi-advocate-for-stronger-role-in