New Zealand First wants to know why the $7.9m Ngā Whenua Rahui scheme for Māori Land has only protected 87 hectares in the year to 20 March.

“In the past three years, the Minister of Conservation has frittered away up to $17.6m of precious Conservation dollars and all she has to show for it is 956.4 hectares and poppycock like: “owners retaining tino rangatiratanga. In its kaupapa and role Ngā Whenua Rāhui is reaffirming the bond between tangata whenua and the land”, says Mr Peters.

“Budget 2016 actually increased Ngā Whenua Rahui funding to $7.9m and it’s only protected 87 hectares so far this year – an area not much larger than Auckland’s Botanic Gardens.

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