Your article ‘Who will own the water?' (The Weekend Sun, November 27) raises concerning issues.

Ministers are in confidential discussions with the Iwi Leaders fresh water Forum. The Sapere Report is clear on what Maori believe they are entitled to. This includes preferential decision-making power over access to water and making money out of water.

As for the government shifting the problem to Region Councils, it is happening right now as a perusal of the BOP Regional website shows.

'The Draft Water Quantity Plan Change will give - council will ask tangata whenua to share their values, commercial and cultural interests and aspirations for each river or stream of significance to them within their rohe”.

Hui-a-Iwi are in progress now on marae to discuss the recognition of these so-called ‘values and interests in freshwater'.

Co-governance, co-management, and recognition of unique rights are all in the mix and all to be paid for by ratepayers.

Special rights based on ethnicity will only sow the seeds of resentment and create a divided society.

R Prince, Welcome Bay.