Te Arawa and Ngati Raukawa welcome the first reading of the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill

Te Arawa River Iwi Trust chairman Roger Pikia today joined with Ngati Raukawa Settlement Trust chairman Chris McKenzie in welcoming progress with the Crown in resolving Te Arawa and Ngati Raukawa claims over the Waikato River.

Mr Pikia and Mr McKenzie joined tribal members from Ngati Raukawa, Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa river iwi who travelled to Wellington to support the first reading of the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill 2010 in Parliament this evening.

Mr Pikia said the first reading marked the final stage of a process to give effect to a partnership between river iwi and the Government to provide protection and nurturing of the national taonga that is the Waikato River.

“This legislation provides real momentum for iwi to participate in a partnership focused on the restoration and protection of the health and well-being of the Waikato River," he said.

“For too long Te Arawa and other river iwi have been relegated to mere spectators as the river, a national taonga, has been polluted and been allowed to degenerate to the point where it is now not safe to take kaimoana, drink or to bath in its waters.”

Ngati Raukawa Settlement Trust chairman Mr McKenzie shared these sentiments.

“Co-governance provides iwi with real influence in how the river is protected and maintained. It is a process of partnership.

"We welcome the opportunity to join with other river iwi and the Crown to play a part in restoring and protecting the Waikato River.”

He said the first reading of the legislation marked significant progress for the region and the country in finding a solution that leveraged iwi and the wider communities’ expertise to focus on the restoration and protection of the Waikato River.

Mr McKenzie also acknowledged the hard work of all involved in achieving today’s milestone.

“This has been a process that has involved the hard work of many of our people, many who have not lived to mark this momentous milestone. I am honoured to attend on behalf of them and the people of Ngati Raukawa.”

Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Bill 2010
Where: Parliament
When: 7pm Wednesday July 28, 2010.
Purpose
The aim of the Bill is to give effect to deeds entered into between the Crown and, respectively, Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi by which the Crown and each iwi:
• agree to the establishment of, and participation by each iwi in, a co-governance framework for the Waikato River and its catchment; and
• establish co-management and related arrangements with each iwi
for the overarching purpose of restoring and protecting the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River for present and future generations.
For further information go to:
http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/Legislation/Bills/BillsDigests/4/6/d/49PLLawBD17871-Ngati-Tuwharetoa-Raukawa-and-Te-Arawa-River-Iwi-Waikato.htm

ENDS

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