Kahungunu will give evidence about poor state of water

Friday, 4 November 2016, 10:30 pm
Press Release: Ngati Kahungunu

Kahungunu will present evidence about the poor state of our waterways

On Monday 7 November, Ngāti Kahungunu will be presenting evidence to the Waitangi Tribunal at Waiwhetu Marae in Lower Hutt, as part of stage 2 into the National Freshwater and Geothermal Resource Inquiry - WAI 2358 claim.

Ngāti Kahungunu along with many other tribes will seek to hold the Crown accountable for:

The poor state of our awa (streams);
The degradation of ngā wai (freshwater) including our outstanding and once pristine muriwaihou (aquifer, groundwater);
The lack of meaningful outcomes and participation in resource decision making for tangata whenua; and
The lack of recognition of iwi and hapū rights and interests.

Currently foreign shareholders are afforded greater rights and interests than most tangata whenua. “This is not right”

“Water quality is the very essence of life and the preservation of Mauri within the natural world”

“Our cultural values, rights and interests have not been adequately adhered to”

“We are supportive of economic development for our people, provided it is not to the detriment of our taonga tuku iho (the treasures of our heritage)”

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated has submitted over 800 pages of evidence alongside the testimony and evidence from other Ngāti Kahungunu whānau and Taiao (environmental) advocates.

Judge Isaac will be the Presiding Officer.

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