Tuhoe calls for self-government of Lake Waikaremoa

Tuhoe is continuing to call for self-government of Lake Waikaremoana and Te Urewera National Park, lead negotiator Tamati Kruger says.

The iwi wanted to self-govern the area stretching from Opotiki to Putere on the Wairoa side, and the edge of Taupo and Rotorua on the other side, Mr Kruger told members of Waikaremoana Boating and Fishing Association in Gisborne last night.

"We do not want to be dependants of the state - there is no honour in that.''

Tuhoe would not build casinos or hotels - it would invest in infrastructure for agriculture, forestry and tourism.

"We need the land returned to Tuhoe to generate income and give us the opportunity to grow industry and income for our people.''

There would be no changes to public access to Te Urewera, conservation or biodiversity values, Mr Kruger said.

Tuhoe was reviewing its management of Lake Waikaremoana but did not see changes to huts, moorings or regulation changes.

"Will it be free? I am unable to speak for the next generation,'' he said.

But he invited members to help with an improved plan, saying the iwi could not ignore the knowledge and experience of groups like the association.

"We need you to continue your interest and activities at Waikaremoana.''

Tuhoe continued to be seen to have the worst relationship with the Government of any iwi. The relationship was based on a history of warfare, military oppression, land and resource confiscation. The most recent fight was described as ``terrorism raids'' in 2007.

"For us it is a matter of justice. Stolen property should be returned. You cannot keep what is not yours.''

They wanted a better relationship that was respectful, earnest and positive.

"Then we can grow. Nothing grows in hate and discrimination. It is not good for us or our country.

Both parties agreed Tuhoe homelands were wrongfully acquired by the Crown.

"We want that returned to us. It is our homeland. We want to deliver our own prosperity.''

That did not mean building a fence around Tuhoe land and removing the rest of New Zealand, nor did it mean Tuhoe would set up a toll booth to come in.

In July Tuhoe signed a ``political compact'' with the Government, an agreement to ``sweeten`` the relationship with the Crown. It was not about money or assets.

Tuhoe was talking to its iwi, neighbouring iwi, landcare experts, park users and the Department of Conservation, he said.

Up until 2017, the Crown pays a lease for the Lake Waikaremoana lake bed and owns all the water. It owns the bed and water of Waikareiti.