Hide questions $1.3m for consulting Maori

By RUTH BERRY political reporter



Act MP Rodney Hide has accused the Corrections Department of wasting $1.3 million consulting iwi over the new Spring Hill prison in the north Waikato.

But the department claims it has been fulfilling its obligations under the Resource Management Act.

The consultation costs relating to the proposed men's prison at Meremere have provoked controversy since the department began scouting for a site for the new facility in 2000.

The latest Corrections update shows a total of $1.3 million has now been spent consulting iwi on the project. The bulk of the money was spent in the 2000-2001 year.

The project had a budget of $184 million, although National has claimed the budget has blown out to around $250 million.

Mr Hide has not sought the costs involved in consulting other groups over the prison.

"But how can you spend $1.3 million consulting with anyone? What was it spent on? What purpose has been served?"

The Corrections Department's national property manager, William Whewell, said the money had been spent "encouraging iwi to come forward, in order to help build strong relationships that will support the management and operation of the facility once it is built".

Consultation with groups including iwi was obligatory under the Resource Management Act.

The money spent on iwi consultation included providing information, seeking iwi input into the project and delivery of contracted services, such as input into the design of the facility, he said.

Some $745,237 was spent on iwi engagement for the 350-bed Ngawha prison in Northland.

A further $133,747 was spent on Maori consultancy on the Auckland regional women's prison.

The Ngawha prison, 7km northeast of Kaikohe, is due to be completed next February. Opponents claim that it is being built on land sacred to local Maori and that the site is home to the taniwha Takauere.

Some Maori have complained that the site at Meremere is tapu.

additional reporting: NZPA

MAORI AND PRISONS

The cost of consulting

Meremere $1.3 million

Ngawha $745,237

Auckland women's $133,747