A spokesperson for the group advising iwi leaders on freshwater issues says the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has rightfully put the focus on improving the water quality of lakes and rivers.

The commissioner, Jan Wright, has recommended ways to improve the way Freshwater National Policy Statement, including strengthening the obligation on councils to improve water quality and including estuaries in the policy.

Willie Te Aho says Dr Wright has cut to the essence that fresh water is vital for sustaining New Zealand’s health and quality of life.

"What every kiwi, what every iwi would agree with is that you look after the water and you look after the life within the water and it will look after you. That's te mana o te wai. And what the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment has basically outlined in the report has been the support for ensuring that quality of the water is maintained," he says.

Mr Te Aho says the discussion over ownership and control of water can be held separately to the debate over fixing up the resource.



