July 01, 2015
More Maori on conservation boards
Greens co-leader Metiria Turei has welcomed a boost in the number of Maori on conservation boards.
The latest round of appointments means Maori now make up 42 percent of the 135 board members around the country, up from 36 percent last year.
Associate Conservation Minister Nicky Wagner says from this year boards will have a greater focus on promoting recreation opportunities and tourism on conservation land, and enhancing relationships with iwi and hapu.
Ms Turei says the distrust conservationists used to have about iwi Maori is receding.
"More and more conservationalists and environmentalists understand the first issue is the treaty, the first issue is resolving the wrongs committed under its name, and protection of the environment is 100 percent dependent on communities working together and finding the common ground," she says.
Metiria Turei says the collaboration between Greenpeace and Te Whanau a Apanui to fight oil exploration off East Cape was a positive step, and it would be good to see that sort of cooperation extend to the conservation boards.
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