The Government is under fire for “ advancing plans to transfer 50 per cent of publicly-owned water assets in the South Island to Ngāi Tahu ownership.”

Last Monday, the Department of Internal Affairs presented the Government’s preferred option for Three Waters reform to 23 mayors and South Island iwi. The proposal was to consolidate all water infrastructure across the South Island into one organisation.

National Leader Judith Collins said this new Mainland water agency, which would assume ownership of all water assets and some council debt, was designed to be 50 per cent owned by Ngāi Tahu.

“This means councils that have invested ratepayer money in pipes, wastewater and drinking water facilities for decades would have these assets taken away.”

“Several mayors reached out to me after the meeting to express their profound concern. Needless to say this move would have far-reaching implications.”

In November last year, the South Island iwi went to the High Court at Christchurch to seek recognition of its sovereignty over freshwater.

At the time, Ngāi Tūāhuriri Upoko Dr Te Maire Tau told Chris Lynch this “isn’t a claim of ownership but recognition of the tribe’s role in water legislation.”

He said “there has been a lack of political will and a she’ll be right attitude which has gone on for too long.”

Te Maire Tau said it has to be involved in regulating rivers and lakes for pollution and water take.

Ms Collins said “Ngāi Tahu is a well-run organisation that may do a good job of managing this water infrastructure, but that is not the point here.”

“If we are truly a Team of Five Million then the Prime Minister must have the courage to have this debate with all New Zealanders.”

Act Party leader David Seymour said “a plan from the Labour Government to transfer 50 percent of publicly-owned water assets in the South Island to Ngāi Tahu is no different to what National put in place around the Waikato River or the co-governance of Auckland’s volcanic mountains through Tūpuna Maunga.”