Video / Mark MitchellDunedin's mayor has accused Judith Collins of creating "fear and division" over her claims Ngāi Tahu will be given co-ownership of the South Island's water infrastructure. "Some of the mayors were so appalled at what was presented, they have reached out to me," Collins told the conference. "We have more than enough to get on with in local government without getting drawn into Judith Collins' increasingly desperate dog-whistle strategy." There had been no discussion of Ngāi Tahu co-ownership of water assets, "but even if there was, it wouldn't be worth beating the drum and fear-mongering over", Hawkins said. "Ngāi Tahu wants to design the structure of the new entity with the Crown, and share governance responsibilities.

Source: New Zealand Herald May 16, 2021 19:00 UTC