A message from the CEO

Tēnā anō hoki e te whānau,

Whānau may be aware of media coverage of a meeting of the Tai o Poutini Plan Committee in Hokitika this week.

The Tai o Poutini Plan is a combined district plan for the West Coast, and sets out among other things how councils will work with iwi, and rules for protection of cultural sites of significance, the environment and so on.

There was discussion of how iwi, including Ngāti Rārua, should be consulted in Te Tai Poutini, particularly in terms of sites of significance for the district plan. Some opinions were aired that suggested Ngāti Rārua should not be included.

It was disappointing to hear this point of view. Let me assure all whānau that as the Tai o Poutini Plan, and the policy to identify cultural heritage resources is developed, we will be working to resolve this matter in a mana-enhancing way for all involved.

Paimaarire,
Shane Graham,
Pouwhakahaere, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua