Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

Day 26 – 16 January 2013

The hearing continued at Matahiwi Marae.

Ruahapia Marae representative - Dr Kepa Morgan said they oppose Tukituki Plan Change 6 & Ruataniawha Water Storage Scheme (RWSS) because they are not convinced it will enhance the mauri of Tukituki River. He wants a comprehensive holistic analysis of the Tukituki Catchment Proposal conducted.

Hira Huata spoke of ancestors and the importance of Tukituki River to Maori.

Waitapu Marae representative - Ngatai Huata told the board they were unhappy with the level of consultation. She said the board had a difficult ‘awa’ (river) to row in making a decision.

Triple Fin Environmental Consultancy – Marine Scientist - Shade Smith spoke about his work looking at the effects of Plan Change 6 and RWSS on the coastal and estuarine environment of Tukituki River.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated representative Maurice Black told the board they are concerned how Plan Change 6 and RWSS will maintain and improve the mauri of Tukituki River.

Ngai Te Upokoiri and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga  representative Marei Apatu spoke of his ancestors and the importance of the river. He also discussed the process of consultation and engagement with Maori in relation to Plan Change 6 and RWSS.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated Chief Executive Dr Adele White spoke about NKII’s concerns about the consultation process for Plan Change 6 and RWSS. She said NKII wanted to see full and comprehensive monitoring to ensure cultural values (social, economic, environmental & cultural) are protected and enhanced. She said they were keen to continue talking with HBRC and HBRIC about Plan Change 6 & RWSS.

Closing address by Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea

Counsel for Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea said its engagement with Hawke’s Bay Regional Council on Plan Change 6 and RWSS has been genuine and detailed. He said the consultation reached those in Tamatea it needed to. He said Tamatea see Plan Change 6 as vital to the physical and spiritual health of Tukituki Plan Change.

Closing address by Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated said the iwi authority’s concerns extend across the four wellbeings – social, cultural, economic & environmental. He said they include consultation, water quality and quantity, coastal and estuarine environment and wahi tapu. He said NKII is keen to have the opportunity to explore solutions with HBRC & HBRIC and review the conditions for Plan Change 6 & RWSS.

The board adjourned at 11pm at Matahiwi Marae and on Friday 17 January resumed at Central Hawke’s Bay Municipal Theatre in Waipawa.

To read daily transcripts from the hearing follow this link:

http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

ENDS

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