Generator and tribe sign deal

Waikato Maori and Mighty River Power have signed a partnership agreement on how they will work together to look after the Waikato River and its surrounds.

The state-owned electricity generator and the Tainui tribe have set up a partnership committee to work on initiatives including enhancement projects, remedial works and scientific studies.

In their statement, they said Tainui regarded the Waikato as their ancestral river while most of Mighty River Power's electricity generation came from eight dams and nine stations along the Waikato.

The committee would also look at activities and projects to improve the education, employment opportunities, health and wellbeing of the people of Waikato Tainui.

The cultural relationships fundamental in Tainui's relationship with Waikato River would be enhanced.

Waikato Raupatu Trust chairman Kingi Porima said no contracts had been put in place for work that might be done under the arrangement.

"Money isn't the issue at this point, but if we need any money no doubt we would have to go through the Government for starters to see if we can raise the funding," he said.

Money from Mighty River was not in the frame for now.

As far as the people of Tainui were concerned the most important issue was cleaning up the river.

"Secondly is the cultural use of the river itself," Mr Porima said.

"We need to look at that aspect because it is our sacred river and there are a lot of spiritual connotations in that.

"Mighty River Power has recognised that as tangata whenua we exercise mana whakahaere [administration] over the region and we believe the presence of the dams has had an impact on our relationship with the river.

"However, we also acknowledge that the dams and their operations have produced positive community benefits."

Mighty River chairman Rob Challinor said the two organisations involved shared a strong commitment to the preservation of the river, as well as a desire to make a constructive contribution to the Waikato community.

- NZPA