Water conference shares knowledge (+ video)

Maori are not just interested in conserving and protecting water - they also want a "fair share"of the resource, according to Rotorua's Gina Mohi.

Ms Mohi, a Resource Management Act hearing commissioner, presented a workshop on the role of Maori resource consent hearing commissioners on day one of the two-day Te Oniao - Te Mauri o te Wai conference yesterday.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council hosts a Maori capacity conference every two years and this year invited the Waikato Regional Council to co-host the event in Rotorua.

The purpose of the hui was to provide the opportunity for iwi, Maori organisations and the two councils to share knowledge, provide views and promote services available for tangata whenua.

Regional council strategy and science general manager Fiona McTavish said the conference was a great way to share information and knowledge.

"It's also an opportunity for Maori organisations, iwi and hapu, to grow their capacity to ask questions and follow up on some of the displays and information we have here.

"We can learn from each other and the importance of working in partnership and collaboration, and the importance of everyone being at the table to make decisions about fresh water," Mrs McTavish said.

Ms Mohi said she spoke about the role of independent commissioners in the resource consent process and shared her experiences.

"As a Maori commissioner we are a set of ears for tangata whenua when they submit to hearings, and the key role of melding the two worlds of knowledge together as far as you can within a legal framework.

"That can be difficult - how to deal with the clash of tikangas.

"I'll be focusing on giving good submissions and providing good evidence to commissioners, because you are only as good as the evidence you get."

She said Maori were obviously interested in water rights and the ongoing "ownership" debate.

"Maori interest in water is not just a cultural one and any allocation needs to consider economic allocation as well.

"Our tupuna were innovative and users of water. There's a perception that Maori are just conservators ... but they also want a slice of that pie for financial benefit as well, which is only fair I reckon."

Other speakers at the conference included Tuhoe's Tamati Kruger, Willie and Linda Te Aho and Rangi Mataamua.

The conference finishes today at 2pm.