Post by Kiwi Frontline on Feb 21, 2016 16:47:08 GMT 12
Freshwater debate on Iwi rights 'deserves informed discussion'
The Maori Party welcomes the Government’s Consultation Document on fresh water but it says the opening line on Iwi rights and interests is playing into the hands of the ignorant.
The chapter begins with the statement "No one owns the water".
"Most people don’t understand what Treaty rights to water are or why they exist. It’s an unhelpful starting point for public discussion.
"Iwi have discussed these issues in good faith with the Government for the last seven years. The public should be encouraged to understand the nature of those rights rather than resorting to slogans", says Mr Flavell.
One of the significant contributions the Maori Party and Iwi Leaders have made to the national discussion on fresh water over the years has been the inclusion of Te Mana o Te Wai (the health and well-being of water) as a guiding principle in the National Policy Statement.
Te Mana o Te Wai is about the health and wellbeing of the waterways, the general environment and the people.
"While we’re pleased to see the Consultation Document recognise Te Mana o Te Wai as a guiding principle for freshwater management, we would like to see that principle strengthened further in the RMA", says Mr Flavell….
www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/244160
The Maori Party welcomes the Government’s Consultation Document on fresh water but it says the opening line on Iwi rights and interests is playing into the hands of the ignorant.
The chapter begins with the statement "No one owns the water".
"Most people don’t understand what Treaty rights to water are or why they exist. It’s an unhelpful starting point for public discussion.
"Iwi have discussed these issues in good faith with the Government for the last seven years. The public should be encouraged to understand the nature of those rights rather than resorting to slogans", says Mr Flavell.
One of the significant contributions the Maori Party and Iwi Leaders have made to the national discussion on fresh water over the years has been the inclusion of Te Mana o Te Wai (the health and well-being of water) as a guiding principle in the National Policy Statement.
Te Mana o Te Wai is about the health and wellbeing of the waterways, the general environment and the people.
"While we’re pleased to see the Consultation Document recognise Te Mana o Te Wai as a guiding principle for freshwater management, we would like to see that principle strengthened further in the RMA", says Mr Flavell….
www.voxy.co.nz/politics/5/244160
