We need transparency over when Iwi are paid not to object

Don Brash e-mailed:

Hobson’s Pledge has always stood firmly for the protection of private property rights. When a major infrastructure project directly impacts local communities or land, it is completely right for legitimate, proportionate claims to be recognised and mitigated.

But what is happening right now with the Port of Tauranga expansion is not a defence of property rights. It is something else entirely.

A Tauranga-based hapū, Ngāti Kuku, is reportedly demanding $19 million annually in compensation as a condition for not opposing a planned expansion project. While mainstream media are saying this could amount to between $335 million and $475 million over the 35-year life of the project, doing the actual maths ($19 million x 35 years) is more like $665 million! No matter the actual amount, every one of these figures is huge.

To put that in perspective, the Port of Tauranga has already put a substantial $7 million offer on the table to address cultural and environmental impacts.

The hapū is not claiming a loss of their own property rights in any proportionate way. Instead, they are using the current RMA consultation system to extract an astronomical sum simply as a condition for “not opposing” a planned wharf extension.

We should know how many millions of dollars are paid out to Iwi and other groups just so they won’t object to a development. I would support a law change that requires any organisation seeking a consent to file an annual report detailing payments made to any organisation with regard to resource consent applications.

Sunlight is the best disinfectant.