Photo / Mark MitchellDerek Cheng is deputy political editor for the New Zealand HeraldNational Party leader Judith Collins says the Government is proposing South Island water assets to be co-owned by Ngāi Tahu - a deal done "with no say by local residents". The Māori Party has gone further, accusing Collins of race-baiting - which Collins rejects, saying she is raising important issues. Document released by the National Party showing a joint governance model for South Island water assets with Ngāi Tahu. "Owners are the Canterbury councils and Ngāi Tahu, who are responsible for appointing representatives to the JGG," the document said. Ngāi Tahu is not a publically owned organisation, and Labour's proposal is not based on Ngāi Tahu being the best organisation to manage the asset."

Source: New Zealand Herald May 16, 2021 00:11 UTC