The Hon Tariana Turia
Maori Party Co-Leader | MP for Te Tai Hauauru

22 March 2012

Lack of iwi consultation results in a ‘no’ vote

Tariana Turia, MP for Te Tai Hauauru, has spoken out against the South Taranaki District Council (Cold Creek Rural Water Supply) Bill which is in the House for its first reading, despite opposition from Nga Ruahinerangi, Ngati Ruanui, Nga Rauru and Taranaki Iwi Trust.

Mrs Turia said “The Maori Party were compelled to vote against this Bill, as it goes against the wishes of all the major iwi based in South Taranaki.”

“What this highlights is the inability of people to consult with hapu and iwi and address wider rights affected by legislation.”

“Whilst the iwi themselves acknowledge the particular impacts for Orimupiko Marae and Oeo marae, the wider iwi interests will also be relevant to the proposed infrastructural developments” said Mrs Turia.

“A specific example of how tangata whenua representation might be implemented would be in the company structure of the Cold Creek Water Supply Limited Company. The greatest concern I have is whether the impacts of this legislation might result in a diminishing of tangata whenua rights.”

Mrs Turia said “The bill which proposes the transfer of the Cold Creek Rural Water Supply to a wholly privately owned company for management, is yet another example of iwi resources, used as state owned assets are being transferred out of Crown ownership.”

“This acts against the interests of the local tangata whenua who are engaged in Treaty settlement negotiations.”

“I am standing by the iwi, and I am voting against this Bill which works against our principles of rangatiratanga” said Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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