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The iwi councils of Northland are locked in a battle
with the Far North District Council over their plans for mineral mining.
Ngati Hine spokesman Pita Tipene says iwi need to be involved
in every aspect of this plan so that they understand
what is happening and how they will be affected.
For some, there are no benefits in mining.
Iwi chairs met with the Far North District Council
behind closed doors today where challenges were laid down
by the chairs about the major issues
being carried out by the council like mining.
Don't go digging on Maori land without permission.
It isn't an issue that they are fully against,
but they need to work together.
We are also interested in finding out what minerals
lay under the earth,
but we want to be the first to know when they are found
and how they will be mined.
These Mana Party supporters say otherwise.
Pita Tipene says they are talking to the council with the best interests
of the people in mind and also for the benefit of future generations.
We need to look to the future - what are the benefits?
But we also need to tread carefully
and the whole process needs to be transparent for all to see.
Nothing should be hidden.
The iwi now have to send their submissions to the Government
for them to consider by the end of the month.
Irena Smith, Te Karere.