27 January 2014

HBRC, HBRIC and Ngāti Kahungunu enter discussions on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council and its investment company HBRIC, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga and Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea have agreed that further amendments to Plan Change 6 provisions, RWSS resource consent conditions and the offset mitigation proposal for RWSS should be included to protect the marae, hapū and iwi of the Tukituki River.

While the details are yet to be finally determined, Ngāti Kahungunu will be holding a hui-a-hapū within the next week to seek counsel with marae, whānau and hapū to consider the details of the proposed amendments.

HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson and HBRIC Ltd Chairman Andy Pearce say these recent developments keep the lines of communication open between the parties.

“We both understand the importance of consulting with Ngāti Kahungunu about Plan Change 6 and the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. We have set in place steps to continue discussions and to build those vital relationships,” says Fenton Wilson.

Andy Pearce says “I am very pleased to see an agreed process for further engagement with all Ngāti Kahungunu parties.”

Te Taiwhenua o Tamatea Chairman Professor Roger Maaka says they are very pleased some mutual ground has been found. “We are looking forward to working constructively and positively with HBRC, HBRIC and our whanaunga (relatives) in Heretaunga,” says Roger Maaka.

Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga Chairman Mike Paku is also pleased with the outcome and says, “This is a positive opportunity for all parties going forward and we can further strengthen our relationships now and in the future.”

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana says “Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi have always preferred negotiation to litigation and is pleased that a pathway forward is being discussed, and commends the parties for meeting face to face with the people of the river at Matahiwi Marae in Clive and in Waipawa”.

ENDS

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