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Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 17, 2018 17:14:48 GMT 12
IWI BOYCOTT OF ALTERNATIVE WATER GROUP IS FOLLOWED BY DEMAND FOR TALKS BY NGAI TAHUFallout from the Government's decision to set up an alternative Maori group with which to consult on freshwater issues continues, with Ngai Tahu now demanding direct engagement immediately with the Crown over water issues relating to most of the South Island. And it is throwing into question what "partnership" means in terms of the Crown's engagement with Maori. The former Government consulted closely with an iwi leaders group within the Iwi Chairs Forum on issues relating to Maori rights and interests in freshwater. But the Coalition Government wants to set up a new wider group to represent Maori interests, Kahui Wai Maori. The Government also wants to have a final say on who is on the group. The Iwi Chairs Forum has decided to boycott that group saying there was no consultation over the change and that the terms and membership of the group "does not reflect a relationship of partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi." And Ngai Tahu, one of the most influential iwi with a rohe covering about 80 per cent of the South Island, now says it will be seeking direct engagement with the Crown. It has also hinted that court action is an option...... www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=12108391
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