Water rights update hui today

An engagement hui is being held by the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group to update Te Arawa on negotiations with the Crown over water rights for Maori.

The group, made up of iwi representatives from around the country, has been in discussions with the Government over allocation and iwi and hapu rights and interests in freshwater.

A series of meetings have been held this month around New Zealand, with the group to speak today at Te Ao Marama in Ohinemutu at 1pm. Te Arawa Lakes Trust chairman and member of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group, Sir Toby Curtis, said things were moving forward.

"From our perspective things aren't being brought to a head sooner rather than later but you need to understand, you just can't only talk to the Crown.

"There is a need to deal with local government bodies, water reform groups, different groups in the community who have an interest in water, to make sure everyone is on the same page," Sir Toby said.

"These hui are also a chance for feedback from Te Arawa. To discuss what is a pathway forward and all agree to move forward. We are starting to achieve certain things now because we are in discussion [with the Crown]. When people aren't involved, nothing is achieved.

"We can't rush this. As far as I'm concerned, water is the most important resource in the country, so this needs to be done properly for the good of all."

It was announced this year that the Crown had agreed on a work plan to address allocation and iwi and hapu rights and interests in freshwater.

The work plan was agreed by Cabinet and approved by more than 40 iwi at the Iwi Chairs Forum in Kerikeri in February.

The Freshwater Iwi Leaders' Group believes that, with the right engagement, the issue of iwi rights and interests in freshwater could be resolved by this time next year.

"Iwi have always been committed to a joint approach with the Crown to ensure that both our rights and our responsibilities in relation to fresh water are recognised," Freshwater Iwi Leaders' Group deputy chairman Sir Mark Solomon said at the time.

"We believe the resolution of these issues is not only of importance to iwi but of benefit to all New Zealanders."