Marae ‘munted’ by Climate Crisis

The presentation of the other local leader – Wairarapa Moana Incorporation general manager, Anaru Smiler, focused on how the weight of responding to climate crises is falling too heavily on marae. The Government needs to recognise the issue, Smiler told the committee. Marae are often leading the crisis response for their communities, “but we receive absolutely no support”, Smiler said. On top of that, insurance premiums for marae are going through the roof.

“One marae ... is paying $120,000, $150,000 a year in insurance,” Smiler said.

“I’m concerned around how marae are going to survive when they have to face those kinds of costs.”

And it isn’t just marae that need support, said Smiler, who suggested Government and industry could do more to invest in Māori infrastructure and small Māori landowners.

“We actually find trying to connect with Government and industry – in terms of the support that is provided there –really onerous.”

In fact, Smiler told the committee, trying to attract funding from Government agencies is actually more trouble than it’s worth.

“There is a lot of a lack of trust between Government and industry and landowners and we’re unfortunately swept up in that as well.”

But if Māori are to successfully adapt to climate change, this will have to be addressed, Smiler said – and “they need to listen”.

A rethink is required and the mana whakahaere [governance or authority] approach is the most appropriate way, he said, which means “recognising the full range of rights and interests at play in our communities”.

“By Māori, for Māori, across that full spectrum.”