Some seem to see the water issue as Maori versus Government, with the complication of asset sales and shares thrown into the mix.

I think we need to distil the water from other distractions and deal with it on it’s own. And include everyone in the discussion, not just Maori interests and Government.

I understand that water, including rights, management and to some, ownership, are very important to many Maori. That applies equally to many other New Zealanders too.

Maori, as individuals or groups or combined forces, have a right to claim what they think is due to them. They can use our politicial system, they can have hui, they can use social media, they can use any means available to promote their claims.

But this is not just a matter of Maori challenging and lobbying the Government. Water is a worldwide resource that is vital to our existence. It is a fundamental neccesity that falls, flows, accumulates and evaporates. Some of it can be contained, but it can come from anywhere, and go anywhere.

How water is managed, controlled, used and if it’s possible, owned in New Zealand is important to all New Zealanders, so all New Zealanders need to be able to be discuss how this happens.

It’s not just an issue between Maori and Government.

See: Water Rights For All