Iwi participation - Manawatū River Update
Tue 13 Apr 2010: Manawatū River UpdateDennis Emery
A special Hui of Iwi leaders is being held on Thursday 22nd April 2010, at Tānenuiārangi headquarters in Palmerston North, to discuss a collective Iwi approach to the Manawatū River.
This Iwi caucus follows an earlier civic and community meeting held on Monday 29 March 2010 at the Chalet, Palmerston North, and was convened by Horizons Regional Council under the independent chairmanship of Mr. Alistair Bisley. Civic and Iwi leaders present included all mayors of the Manawatū River catchment region and representatives from Ngāti Raukawa, Mūaupoko, Rangitāne and Ngāti Kauwhata.
Ngāti Raukawa was represented by Te Waari Carkeek – Chair of Te Rūnanga-o- Raukawa Inc, and Taiao Raukawa Environmental Unit was represented by the Chair – Dr.Huhana Smith and Dennis Emery – Project Manager, and Ngāti Kauwhata by Aunty Mary Sanson and Michael Cribb.
Iwi were collectively concerned that it had not been invited to the inaugural leadership forum held on 15th February 2010, and made their concerns known.
The Chair, Alistair Bisley tabled a written report and made it known that the earlier meeting was motivated by two (2) main concerns – (1) community anxieties about the state of the Manawatū River and (2) the recent scientific study which stated that the Manawatū River was one of the most polluted rivers in the western world.
“........civic, industry, farming and community leaders met on 15th February 2010 to discuss the state of the Manawatu River. They agreed the state of the river was unacceptable to them and to their communities. The group agreed to work together with Horizons MW and Iwi to provide leadership on the issue, and that only by working together will sustainable improvements for the Manawatu River be achieved....”
Once the Iwi have met, they will be able to present their whakaaro and recommendations to a Workshop set down for Monday 3rd May followed by the next leadership forum which will be held on Monday 17th May 2010 in Palmerston North.
Happy to answer any queries!!
Compiled by Dennis Emery – Project Manager
Cell-phone: (0274) 753-293
