How's this for hypocrisy! In the past Maori have been very vocal in their opposition to oil drilling but the Te Runanga o Ngati Trust, which oversees 8500 people, entered an agreement with the New Zealand Energy Corp at a hui this month, under which the trust supports the company`s exploration, development and production activities in South Taranaki.
Watching at the meeting was David Binnie, general manager of New Zealand Petroleum and Minerals , the government agency which manages gas, mineral and oil resources.
'This agreement provides opportunities for our youth and is a good example of what can be achieved through direct engagement between iwi and the oil companies” Ngapari Nui, trust chairmasn said. Isn`t it amazing what crossing the palm with silver will do to change attitudes. I wonder if they have consulted with the Maori Party or even the Government ~ Just who is running this country?

Mary Brooks, Avenues.