Aucklands Tangata Whenua Are Outraged By Exclusion From Auckland's Water Review
(4/4/01)
Contact Hare Tukariri 8344993. Rose Hollins 8280238 M Barrar 8366389
PRESS CONFERENCE
Representatives of Auckland’s Iwi which will include Dover Samuels, Grant Hawke, Mike Smith, Graeme Theodore, Hare Tukariri and other Tangata Whenua representatives, are available to talk to the media at 11am Friday 6th of April at Dover Samuels electoral office. 538 Te Atatu Peninsula just of the Te Atatu off ramp North Western Motorway.

The groups will be drawing attention to the following points:-

* The Auckland Water Review was initiated to look at the future management and structure of Auckland’s Water and Stormwater services. A consultation process is currently occurring.
* Since it’s inception over 12 months ago the review has excluded Tangata Whenua and community groups from the process.
* There has been no recognition of Maori as Treaty partners and no inclusion on this basis.
* Yet a private multi-national company United Water which currently runs Papakura water for profit has full representation on the review committee as an official stakeholder.
* Auckland’s Iwi has not been offered this status.
* There has been no recognition as water being a Taonga and as Maori being the Guardians of this valuable resource.
* The review intends to organise three hui which will take place at the end of April, beginning of May. This is an inadequate process and still fails to explain why Tangata Whenua haven’t been integral to the process thus far.
* The review will be proposing amendments to the impending Local Government Act Review before these Hui take place. In fact before Auckland’s Local Authorities the other major stakeholders make their own decisions based on the review. Our reaction is outrage.
* Iwi are aware of the huge public concern regarding commercialisation, privatisation of our water service and the social effects of user pay charges. Maori are among those who are being driven into further poverty as a result of present structures being imposed against the public will.

Demands

* That the consultation currently occurring be extended so that full Tangata Whenua participation can occur.
* That this participation be based on the concept that Iwi are protectors and guardians of this resource and are included as equal treaty partners.
* We also support the concept that community organisations presenting non-commercial options be offered inclusion in the review process.
* That Sandra Lee Local Government minister intervenes to facilitate the above process.

You are cordially invited to attend.

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