Iwi feels rushed into decision on project
As summer looms and water shortages threaten, claims of misinformation and rushed time frames are casting doubt over a huge water storage project in Wairarapa.
One of two local iwi, Rangita¯ne o Wairarapa, feels rushed into signing off on the project, unable to conduct its own research into the impact of the Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme, a project by Wairarapa Water Limited (WWL).
The reservoir, in the foothills of the Tararua Range, has been presented as a salve for Wairarapa’s water woes, capable of storing 28 million cubic metres of water per annum for rivers, towns, industry, land-use change, and rural supply.
But deputy chairperson of Rangita¯ne o Wairarapa Amber Craig said the December deadline was not long enough ‘‘to do due diligence’’ on the task of approving the cultural and environmental impact of the project.
A proposal currently sat with Wairarapa Water to extend the deadline for approval by at least two months. ‘‘We want our own people to go through it and determine the impacts.’’
The iwi referred to the United Nations mandate that indigenous peoples had the right to give free, prior and informed consent that may affect them or their territories. The Resource Management Act also dictates that the relationship of Ma¯ori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands be recognised and provided for.
‘‘Rangita¯ne o Wairarapa will contest any project where we do not understand the full impacts through a robust and thorough process which considers our whenua [land], wai [waters] and tangata [people],’’ Craig said.
Iwi chairperson Tiraumaera Te Tau said such a huge project would have lasting impacts for future generations and create huge environmental change.
‘‘Our wha¯nau are the descendants of the people who lived here, and we have a responsibility to them and our future generations to ensure these places flourish,’’ Te Tau said.
The Wairarapa Water Project website states the storage area will only capture excess water, with no negative impacts on surrounding waterways.
Freshwater ecologist Dr Tara McAllister said any claims of zero impact on the environment raised alarm bells.
‘‘It’s a really irresponsible view to say there will be no impact when you’re not considering it in a bigger landscape,’’ she said.
Wairarapa Water Limited chief executive Robyn Wells said the company was committed to working with iwi, and had openly communicated about, and aligned with, project timelines throughout the year.
A final resource consent application is due to be lodged at the end of February, 2021.