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3. Recognising and Addressing Rohe-specific Issues

Many hui focussed on gaining a better understanding of the complexities of the proposed ETS and how it impacts on diverse Māori realities. Every hui noted issues that were specific to their rohe and wanted to know more about the opportunities and risks presented by the ETS in relation to their rohe.

The issue in our rohe is that we are an agricultural area and many of our trusts lease the land out and contribute to sustaining the marae so we will need to know how to access the correct information to address the issues.

(Allie Hemara-Wahanui, Taranaki Hui)

Two strong concerns raised during the ETS consultation were that the government had not addressed the specific issues that had been raised in the earlier consultation hui held in February and March 2007, and frustration of being treated in a pan-tribal manner.

Tony Sewell: Do you have an analysis on the economic impacts of these emissions policies on the Ngāi Tahu Deed of Settlement here today?

Bryan Smith (Ministry of Agricultural and Forests): No we don’t have that here today.

Tony Sewell: On that basis I’d like to call this consultation to an end because you are not equipped to deal with Ngāi Tahu. I’m tired of being treated in a pan-tribal manner. We want to be consulted properly with specific responses to the specific issues faced by Ngāi Tahu.

(Tony Sewell, Chief Executive, Ngāi Tahu Property Limited)

3.1 Māori Reference Group Hui

At the Māori Reference Group Hui on 25 October, representatives outlined the issues that were of concern in their respective regions.

The Ngāi Tahu representatives chose not to be present at the Māori Reference Group hui following the hui with Ngāi Tahu in Christchurch.

In the Far North, transportation is a major issue – the expected increase in liquid fuel costs will affect their many isolated communities, other issues concern road sealing and the need for better collaboration with local government around transport. Papakāinga development and geothermal energy opportunities and incentives were also of interest in the far North.

The representative from Te Tau Ihu, representing iwi from the top of the South Island, reiterated some key concerns that had been prominent features of the earlier consultation hui on climate change generally. It had been argued then that a Māori world view which is holistic, and focuses on caring for our atua (which encompass all aspects of our environment), is a model for sustainability and should be accorded higher priority in policy and decision making. It was further advocated that the Treaty of Waitangi obliges the Crown to protect Māori people in the use of their resources to the fullest extent practicable; it should also be better recognised in policy and decision-making on ETS.

For Tāmaki, a major issue is the cost of living and the socio-economic impacts of the policies. Auckland Māori seek stronger collaboration between the various government agencies and local authorities.

The East Coast representative noted that Treaty rights are significant and that there are a number of rohe-specific issues in the areas of deforestation and leases. Tikanga is a major issue as is the concern that the ETS will create a debt regime.

The Waiariki representative noted the view that this rohe reflects the Māori economy as it spans a number of issues that need to be balanced – such as forestry, horticulture, agriculture, and geothermal. Specifically – in terms of free allocation of New Zealand Units – key issues include the need to see equity in terms of indigenous and exotic forests, clarity about where points of obligation fall for both agriculture and forestry, and (because 80% of Crown Forest Lands lie within the Waiariki region) there is a major issue about the New Zealand Units informing land values in the context of Treaty settlements.

They also share concerns regarding transport and are concerned about the impacts of the ETS upon low-income earners and households. In their view, not only are Māori businesses being marginalised, so are Māori people.

The Tainui representative noted, in addition to the issues raise above, that – in terms of consultation – there continues to be frustration about coming to hui and then having to go back and communicate these difficult issues to our people, our land owners. No resourcing has been provided to engage properly with our people in each region.

3.2 Differential regional prices for electricity

It was suggested that some regions, such as Wairarapa, pay higher prices for electricity. This must be taken into account in any assistance package for low-income households, and to consider whether there are other things the government can do to help those houses become more energy-efficient.

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