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4. Allocating Research Funds to Māori and Rohe-specific Issues

During the first round of consultation hui on climate change, whilst many Māori were concerned about the impacts of climate change on the environment, there were a large number of requests by Māori for further and better information on the economic impacts and opportunities from the proposed climate change policies that specifically affect Māori. It was said that before Māori could truly engage, they need to know how the policies would affect them and their choices. Such information would enable Māori to make better informed submissions on the policies, and better informed decisions about future land use. This was a point that was picked up again in relation to ETS. The government, in response, commissioned a report entitled Māori impacts from the ETS – Interim High Level Findings by Chris Karamea Insley and Richard Meade, which was made available at the National Māori Climate Change Hui held on 26 October 2007.

In the hui, however, it was said that the responsibility of hui attendees making informed decisions on behalf of their shareholders, their iwi and hapū and future generations cannot be overstated. There is a need for targeted research to enable better decision-making:

… we require more information through research and development before making an informed decision. This decision will impact on future generations and it is our responsibility to make the best decision for ourselves, but not at the expense of other iwi.

(Selwyn Parata, Ngāti Porou Hui)

If dialogue is to continue, there must be investment at ground level and adequate information for decisions and policies that will impact on them … Local land owners should have the opportunity to invest into their own local research and be informed, then make the right decisions for their own land.

(Amohaere Houkamau, Ngāti Porou Hui)

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