Praise for pounamu proposal

Press, 14 September 1989, Page 1

Praise for pounamu proposal

By JANE DUNBAR A Crown proposal for Ngai Tahu to have exclusive rights to West Coast pounamu (greenstone) is a cause for celebration among Maoridom, says a Ngai Tahu kaumatua, Mr Maika Mason. Mr Mason said the Crown proposal, made at a Waitangi Tribunal hearing yesterday, was “a big concession” and was welcomed by Ngai Tahu. “The acceptance by the Crown that pounamu is a taonga of our people at this stage; of the tribunal proceedings is a cause for considerable. satisfaction,” he said. . ' - "But the question of satisfactory title to the Arahura River and its tributaries has yet to be adequately addressed. “There is also the question of compensation for the pounamu which has been and still is being mined. “I hope the Tribunal will make positive recommendations that will ensure that Maori owners will retain for evermore the exclusive rights to the pounamu and its use.” Mr Mason said he also hoped Crown agencies would stop processing pounamu mining licences immediately. , ’T see the Crown’s statement as the first step in restoring the mana of the pounamu in terms of tikanga (procedure) Maori and, more importantly,, restoring the mana of our people on. the Tai Poutini,” he said.

Tribunal hearing, page 2