pn777. New Zealand and Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Pacific Islands Forum Snippets

Punakaiki, West Coast

NEW ZEALAND. Three West Coast Conservation Board members have resigned citing conflicts of interest between conservation and Ngai Tahu interests, the privatisation of public assets and instances of racism when they tried to uphold conservation interests. 

What has brought the matter to a head is the proposed construction of a $26 million Punkaiki visitors' centre funded by the provincial growth fund. 

The accusations are denied by Board member Kara Edwards and Poutini Ngai Tahu.