Te Ururoa Flavell MP for Waiariki www.waiariki.maori.nz

The Rena disaster taught us a number of lessons from the get-go. There is a certain resilience in Aotearoa when our lands are threatened by disaster. People come together for a common cause.

Māori played an important part in the clean-up and recovery of communities following this disaster, and that is a natural reaction because of the close connection with Papatūānuku and Tangaroa.

We learnt that having Māori involved in decision-making is a major plus as we have the resources, the know-how and the people power to make a significant contribution. But it was at the decision-making level that it really counts.

The Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act Repeal Bill is almost through to the final stages now. This marks a positive milestone for the Tauranga City Council. They are working with the relevant iwi to have land which was confiscated, returned to iwi.

One would understand then, why some local iwi are upset to hear that the government has negotiated a compensation package with the shipping company without any consultation with them. Worse, they were particularly angry to hear that there may be a possibility that parts of the ship are being left on ÅŒtāiti, or Astrolabe Reef, as a possible dive site. Their response was emphatic: 'No way!” They want every last piece of that wreck gone. They told the Prime Minister so recently, when he came and met with iwi in Whakatāne.

I understand that the ship's owners and insurers intend on holding two open days in the near future, inviting locals to have their say on what should happen to the remaining wreck. It is good that they are including the community in the decision-making process and I encourage everyone who wants to have their say to head to these hui and be heard.

If there was any good news in the settlement it was that it is a straightforward agreement, which involves the government recovering their costs and iwi being free to pursue their own agreement.

Like I say, it is so much easier when organisations recognise and understand the part that iwi play in the dynamics of this country. Not to recognise and understand is asking for trouble and does little to reflect the treaty relationship between Māori and the Crown.

I welcome your feedback. Email: mpwaiariki@parliament.govt.nz Post: PO Box 12028 Rotorua 3045. Phone: 07 3503261