Treaty supports freshwater rights

Opinion

Bibby's February 3 column claims that the Iwi leaders' freshwater rights proposal is “a blatant race-based option” etc, which clearly displays his ignorance of Article Two of the Treaty of Waitangi.

Article Two reads, “Her Majesty the Queen of England confirms and guarantees to the Chiefs and Tribes of New Zealand and to the respective families and individuals thereof the full exclusive and undisturbed possession of their Lands and Estates Forests Fisheries and other properties which they may collectively or individually possess . . .”

Note that freshwater constitutes “other properties” that Iwi may legitimately own/possess. Also note that freshwater ownership is subsumed in my Waitangi Tribunal claim (Wai 909, the Atmosphere of Aotearoa New Zealand 2001).

It has been my policy to apply my weather modification expertise in support of Iwi rights outlined in the Treaty of Waitangi. Any Pakeha attempt to obstruct legitimate Iwi demands will certainly invite retaliation in the form of extensive and prolonged severe weather events.

And that has been the experience of former mayor Meng Foon and councillors as revealed in my email correspondence viz. May 27, 2019 To all GDC Councillors. The following list outlines my contacts with GDC re indigenous weather modification as a solution to freshwater issues:

· 2013 meeting with Mayor Meng Foon re drought and WM (email A below).

· 2015 presentation to Mark Joblin, aquifer project manager. Follow-up emails to Mark. No reply.

· 2016 address to Environmental Planning and Regulations committee. No response from EPR.

My proposals began as a positive, innovative effort to enhance regional economic development. Instead I was ignored. I therefore chose a more dramatic method to make my point — excess rainfall.

In January 2017 drought was predicted but by July the situation had drastically changed. The Gisborne Herald announced: “Wettest first half of year since 1944”. More rainfall in six months than during Cyclone Bola 1988.

That result motivated me to continue. By June 2018, serious flood damage in the Tolaga and Waipaoa areas brought the Ministers of Civil Defence and Agriculture to Gisborne to assess the situation.

I informed GDC that flood events were easily replicated if their negative attitude continued.

More emails:

Email A — Feb 27, 2013. Mayor Meng Foon's rainfall request: John I would like to order rain. This is what I would like. For the area of the Gisborne District Council. Rain at night only for 5 nights, 25mm per night. Kia ora Meng.

Email B — Apr 23, 2019. To: Meng Foon. In response to your enquiry of Feb 16, 2019 concerning my weather modification fee for the Tairawhiti region. 1. An initial lump sum of . . . to be paid in advance. 2. Payment will cover drought mitigation service for two years and reviewed at conclusion of service period.

(a). Meng Foon Apr 23, 2019. Thanks John, too expensive with no guarantees.

(b). John Porter Apr 24, 2019. I don't think you understand Tairawhiti's situation regarding climate change . . . we both know how extremely important appropriate weather conditions are for the Tairawhiti economy. The recent Tolaga and Waipaoa floods are a minor example of what could happen if no mitigating or preventative measure is available.

(c). Meng Foon May 27, 2019. John, thanks for your mail, your proposal is not accepted by Meng.

(d). John Porter May 28, 2019. Meng, your decision makes no difference. I will continue to do what I do best. Have done for 30 years.

2019 total rainfall (799.6mm) for Gisborne airport has been well below (68 percent) that of 2018 (1166.8mm).

That trend (meteorological drought) presently applies to much of the North Island and may continue for the rest of 2020.