Te Manu Korihi News for 18 April 2013

The Maori Party MP, Te Ururoa Flavell who voted for same sex marriage to be legal says it was not the first time Maori have encountered controversy around the concept of what defines marriage; The body in charge of advancing Maori interests in freshwater fisheries says the longfin eel has an annual economic value of ten million dollars and ensuring sustainability of the eel is vital; Health Authorities say the number of Maori engaging in risky drinking is too high, with one in three abusing alcohol; The Department of Conservation is investigating a report of cultural violation of sacred Moriori trees on the Chathams Islands.