05 Aug 2005

A new panel has been established to lead consultation on improving access along waterways. This is a great move on the part of the Ministry of Rural Affairs for dealing with this matter.

The panelists have been appointed for their knowledge, experience and personal abilities, not as representatives of any particular group. On the face of it the current panel appears to have no real substantative insight on the issues of the Improving Walking Access policy in respect to Maori Land and Maori Land Owners.

In a letter to the Hon Damian O'Connor, FoMA note that it could have provided the Ministry with names of a number of people who would have fit their panel criteria and who would have been able to provide insight to the panel on Maori Land issues.

As part of the consultation process with the community, affected Maori Land Owners will need to be contacted. The issues surrounding this will need to be dealt with appropriately and accurately.

FoMA reiterated to the Minister that in the past Maori Land owners have been subject to various Government policies, which has resulted in the loss of their whenua, without compensation and that any future decision must not create new grievances for Maori Land owners.

You can download the FoMA letter to the Hon Jim Sutton from under the subject line Improving Access Along Waterways and click Beehive Bulletin to read Government Media Release