Successful HBRC Maori Committee meeting in Wairoa

Around 30 people attended the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Maori Committee meeting held in the Wairoa Community Centre yesterday.

The committee traditionally meets at the council chamber in Napier, but members, who represent Tangata Whenua from throughout the region, were keen to see the committee meet in other centres around the bay.

A range of topics relevant to the Wairoa District were discussed including the progress on resolving the silt discharge from the Waihi Dam, flooding issues for the Wairoa River and the council’s recreational water quality programme.

The effects of forestry on the environment and communities in Hawke’s Bay was also on the agenda.

Many raised concerns about forestry debris blocking rivers and sediment adversely effecting aquatic life in local rivers and lakes. It was recommended the committee look at regular reporting to the community on any monitoring underway and the work being done to solve the issues. The committee is also recommending the council continue to meet with local councils, forestry companies and others to develop policies and environmental plans to safeguard the local environment from future forestry activities.

Those attending the Maori Committee meeting were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss their areas of concern face to face with committee members and council staff. They asked the committee to take their various concerns back to the Council.

ENDS

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