Maoris fight mill river diversion

Press, 20 July 1984, Page 15

Maoris fight mill river diversion

PA Auckland The plan of New Zealand Steel, Ltd, to divert Waikato River water to the Manukau Harbour goes against Maori law, says a member of the Waitangi Tribunal, Sir Graham Latimer. The diversion — part of the steel mill’s expansion — came under criticism at tribunal hearings on Maori claims to ancestral rights to the river and harbour.

Sir Graham was commenting on evidence given by a Waikato elder, Mr Henare Tuwhangai, chief spokesman for the Maori Mr Tuwhangai said that he completely disagreed with the scheme to carry water 18km to Glenbrook for use in cooling processes at the plant Maori groups had recently taken part in planning hearings to object to the move.

The Tainui people from Mokau to the Manukau were united in the claim made by the Huakina Development Trust to the tribunal, said Mr Tuwhangai. Now was the time the Maori people had to stand up for themselves and fight he said. Mr Tuwhangai was the most senior of elders to give evidence at the second day of the week-long hearing.