17 Jul 2013

Te Arawa tribe not buying local council excuse - Bennett

7:08 pm on 17 July 2013

Te Arawa tribe, Ngati Makino, isn't buying the Rotorua District Council's explanation about why it hasn't started an internal inquiry in to how it deals with iwi.

The local body admitted it hasn't launched an iwi consultation review because it hasn't yet found a second auditor to help its Kaupapa Maori director, Mauriora Kingi to conduct the review.

The examination was called after the Environmental Court found the council's consultation process over plans to build a wastewater treatment plant at Lake Rotoma was misleading.

Ngati Makino environmental officer Pia Bennett says the council's reason is weak because the council has publicly said the iwi consultation audit is a priority.

Ms Bennett says she's disappointed the Rotorua District Council hasn't launched the review.

She says Ngati Makino could suggest someone who may be able to help Mauriora Kingi with the audit if approached by the council.

Ms Bennett says it would be nice if the council contacted her tribe.