Iwi tells UN envoy of bond with river

Merania Karauria | 25th July 2010

Members of Whanganui iwi spoke about their special relationship and concerns around their tupuna rohe with the visiting United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms of Indigenous People.

Professor James Anaya spent Friday morning at Putiki Marae, where he listened to the iwi and heard about its river claim - the longest-running Waitangi Tribunal claim.

Professor Anaya told  iwi members at the end of their presentations that he would make a public statement about his findings.

"I have more of an understanding in knowing about the Maori people and I am open and willing to receive information."

Professor Anaya said he was authorised to act on that information if appropriate.

Turama Hawira opened the iwi presentations to Professor Anaya with an explanation and description of the inter-relationship of the iwi to the mountains and rivers.

Che Wilson and Raana Mareikura presented Te Kahui Maunga and the impact on the sacred peaks, landscapes and places, and Gerrard Albert presented Mana Awa Mana iwi and the settlement of WAI 167, the Whanganui River Claim. 

An iwi panel spoke on the indivisibility of the mountains, rivers and sea before Professor Anaya delivered his closing remarks.

Dr Huirangi Waikerepuru from Taranaki said it was a
wonderful opportunity to  make comment to Professor Anaya.

 Dr Waikerepuru said there were fears and concerns for the future generations, Maori and Pakeha.

"The colonial systems have to change. Pakeha are beginning to participate at our level and on our terms."

Professor Anaya is visiting New Zealand at the invitation of the Government to follow up on the 2005 visit of the previous Special Rapporteur, Dr Rodolfo Stavenhagen.  He came to assess the human rights situation of Maori following the enactment
of the foreshore and seabed
legislation.