Northland Iwi Seek Inclusion in Mineral Exploration Findings

A Ngati Whatua leader is calling for any information gleaned from surveys of Northland's minerals to be shared openly with Iwi.

Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua chairman, Naida Glavish, says before there is any debate about the protection of the environment versus the exploitation of mineral resources, the knowledge of what minerals exist must be shared equally with Iwi.

" It is key to the future of our wellbeing that our mana is upheld equally through both the economic success of our people and the protection of natural resources, and key to this is the sharing of knowledge."

Naida Glavish says polarised debates are not the answer, and a balanced and well informed debate about the levels of protection of environments versus the careful use and management of mineral resources will lead to a sustainable solution.

" There are models both ancient and modern that can offer creative solutions to these issues It does not have to be about mining at all costs, or blanket moratoriums on development at all costs."

She says the challenges of both protecting and preserving the environment and ensuring the sustenance of people are global and cross every culture.

Sir James Henare says: "We have done too much to not do more, we have come too far to not go further."

ENDS

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