Day 25 - Tukituki Catchment Proposal –Board of Inquiry Hearing

The independent Board of Inquiry set up to consider the resource consents for the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme, along with the Tukituki Plan Change, resumed hearings after the Christmas break at Matahiwi Marae on Wednesday 15 January 2014.

After a powhiri the hearing began in the wharenui.

Opening submission from Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and others

Counsel for Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated told the board the submissions are filed on behalf of Ngati Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII), Te Taiwehenua o Heretaunga, Ngati Hawea ki Matahiwi Marae, Waimarama Marae, Kohupatiki Marae, Waipatu Marae, Ruahapia, Ngai Te Upokoiri ki Omahu Marae.

He told the board the parties believe there has been a lack of consultation with NKII and the marae and hapu in the lower Tukituki Catchment. He said they feel there is insufficient evidence to show Tukituki Plan Change 6 will enhance and protect the Tukituki River does not contain specific conditions to monitor cultural values or provision to exercise their kaitiakitanga obligations. He said it also does not include mitigation and offsetting of the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme on Lower Tukituki River.

Moana Jackson told the board of the history and traditions of the Tukituki River and the relationships hapu have with it. He said the river is their lifeblood and the health and wellbeing of the river is linked to the health and wellbeing of the people. He said all Maori along the length of the Tukituki River should be consulted about the Tukituki Catchment Proposal.

Matahiwi Marae Chairperson Tom Mulligan told the board Matahiwi Marae is concerned the Tukituki River will be adversely affected by the Tukituki Catchment Proposal. He believes there has been a lack of consultation and information. He wants the board to be confident when it makes its decision that the native fishery won’t be degraded further and if possible enhanced. He said they are not against water storage but want to ensure the consequences don’t hurt them or the river.

Nga Hapu o Waimarama representative Bayden Barber and Operation Patiki Founding Chairperson and Kohupatiki Marae Chairperson Margaret Akata McGuire both told the board they have not been consulted and are concerned the scheme will negatively impact on the headwaters of the Tukituki River and coastline.

To read daily transcripts from the hearing follow this link:

http://www.epa.govt.nz/Resource-management/Tukituki/Hearing/hearing-proceedings/Pages/Hearing%20transcript%20and%20proceedings.aspx

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