The continued push by iwi into dairy farming is a big environmental issue, the new Maori leader of conservation group Forest and Bird says.
Photo: RNZ
Forest and Bird's first Maori leader, chief executive Hone MacGregor, says tribes are struggling to develop sustainable dairying models.
It's an issue because runoff from dairy farming can contaminate freshwater, when New Zealanders want it kept pristine for swimming and drinking, he says. The rate of expansion is not a concern but how it is done is.
The biggest issue is calibrating the development with the capability of people, something which is gaining the attention of boardrooms throughout the country, particularly Maori boardrooms, Mr MacGregor says. Forest and Bird can offer iwi advice on the different sustainable options available.
Mr MacGregor comes from the commercial consulting sector, having worked in the export industry, and remains a director of top of the South Island Maori food and drink business Wakatu Incorporation.
He says his organisation is looking forward to engaging with iwi and ge believes one way to work together is to embrace the principles of rahui tapu.
Introducing harvesting restrictions in a tribe's marine territory could create opportunities for economic development, such as eco tourism.
The message from Forest and Bird is that the natural environment can be developed but it doesn't have to be at the expense of conservation values, he says.
