There is
currently an ongoing but very private high level debate between Maori and the Crown as to ownership of fresh water. The public
are excluded from this debate presumable until Iwi and the
Crown reach an agreement. Once the
occurs, we the people will the n be “consulted” as to whethe r
we all agree with the Government to
transfer our use rights in the
commons to Iwi ownership and management. The Waitangi Tribunal agrees with Iwi
that the y have justifiable claims to
fresh water.
The “Commons”
is referred to in literature as a place in our world that has a public good
dimension; is free for people to enjoy and is owned by everyone who claim a
share of its use and management.
