Racism in our rivers: Māori elites claim water for their own
The latest High Court case over Māori freshwater rights is being hailed as “landmark” by some. Peel back the layers, and what we’re really seeing is the definition of modern-day racism - a race claiming exclusive control over a resource that belongs to everyone.
Water is life. It sustains us all, Māori and European Kiwi’s alike. However in 2025, a coalition of iwi collectives and Māori landowner organisations is arguing that because of their ancestry, they should have special authority over New Zealand’s freshwater. Never mind the fact that most of the population has no say. Never mind that everyday Māori, those struggling to pay rent, heat their homes, and put kai on the table, will not see a cent of any benefit.
This is not about environmental protection, no matter how many korowais they dress it up in. It is a grift. The elite Māori at the top of the pyramid, the ones who run the trusts and control the land, are lining themselves up for profit and power, while the ordinary folk remain sidelined. A few powerful iwi leaders like Kingi Smiler above get legal fees, influence, and control over water allocation. The rest of us watch as our water becomes a political pawn.
Racism is not always about hatred; sometimes it is about entitlement. In this case, the entitlement is clear that a race claiming exclusive rights over a shared resource. It is privilege masquerading as justice, with the backing of a legal system that continues to pander to identity politics.
The irony is staggering. The argument is framed as protecting Māori tikanga and fulfilling Treaty obligations, yet in practice, it will likely exacerbate inequality within Māori communities. Those not connected to the right iwi structures are left out. Those without land or status gain nothing. Meanwhile, the elite sit at the top, bank accounts bulging, moral righteousness intact.
Water should not have a racial price tag. It belongs to every New Zealander. To allow one group to claim it as theirs, while others, including many Māori, remain on the margins, is not justice. It is discrimination. It is elitism. It is exactly the kind of race-based entitlement that divides a country and undermines fairness.
When the court hands down its decision, it should remember this simple truth that the people of New Zealand, not the elite few, own our rivers, lakes, and streams. Anything less is a betrayal, not just of law, but of common sense.
Interesting that the water can be considered as a Maori claim, but the systems that distribute and utilize it ( treatment plants, water network infrastructure, hydropower, irrigation systems etc) are never acknowledged as a colonial import and subject to Pakeha claims of traditional use.
I guess it will be a good thing in that once they own it they will be responsible for all the costs involved after each time the rivers flood and the damaged caused.
No..........I thought not.