I’m reading this book now, however I am very disappointed that it seems the two local Runanga have supported the destruction of this amazing Waitaha river which exists in its virgin state. Not only that but they have supported a fast-track process. This is the same sort of method which in the past has stolen so much Māori land throughout this country. Scroll down to watch latest Frank Film about this.
It’s a marvellous history of West Coast Māori, much of it pre-Ngai Tahu. It’s a great read and well written by Paul Madgwick the Upuku of Te Runanga o Maakaawhio. My grandfather was the 12th of 12 children born of Irish parents up the Arahura Valley. This has given me a deep love of the West Coast.
I first worked with Ngāti Wae Wae 40 years ago. Each time I visited I used to stay with one of the Aunties, June Robinson. I have spent countless hours grieving with Kaumatua and Kuia about the loss of land which meant so much to them. On Marae after Marae, I so often listened to the stories of land taken off Māori when they returned from the Second World War.
I applauded when Ngāti Wae Wae objected to the Westland District Council proposing to put raw sewage into the sea; thus, polluting their kai moana. The Council changed their proposal having listened to the response from tangata whenua.
After this history of involvement, I was stunned when I watched this latest Frank Film It seems the two local Runanga have supported the destruction of this amazing river which exists in its virgin state. Not only that but they have supported a fast-track process. This is the same sort of method which in the past has stolen so much Māori land throughout this country.
This project on the Waitaha River is a fast-track exercise which has turned deaf ears to those speaking on behalf of the environment, and future generations.
I find this sort of behaviour hypocritical and extremely disappointing. In this article Māori activist, Mike Smith, has filed papers in the High Court attempting to stop this government from moving legislation which will stop the courts which are currently about to hear a case he has brought. The Fast Track legislation is in the same camp. It stops people able to participate in a democratic manner. It stops environmentally valuable land being protected for the generations who follow us.
The hypocrisy of West Coast Runanga saddens me greatly.
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