The Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group (ILG) welcomes the introduction of the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill today.
Freshwater ILG spokesperson, Rahui Papa says, “The introduction of the Bill is a positive first step in advancing our objectives of better environmental outcomes and improving Māori participation in resource management processes.”
The Freshwater ILG has been working to progress the issue of iwi and hapū rights and interests in this area. They have also been working alongside the Māori Party for the last two years to ensure that the ILG know the importance of the role iwi and hapū have as kaitiaki and also as developers of the land, water and other resources.
The Freshwater ILG plan on having ongoing discussions with the Crown and the Māori Party throughout the passage of the Resource Legislation Amendment Bill so that the rights, interests and responsibilities of iwi and hapū can be recognised so that ultimately, the natural environment is flourishing for future generations to come.
"While the current proposals in the Bill provide some further scope to advance our objectives, the ILG is committed to continuing to work with the Crown to help develop an improved baseline model for iwi participation in these processes, which we think will benefit iwi and hapū, local authorities, consent holders and, ultimately, all New Zealanders."