Iwi consultation claims 'risible' says Pink and White Terraces researcher

Thursday, 29 March 2018

JC Hoyte's painting of the Pink and White Terraces in the 1870s, prior to the eruption of Mt Tarawera in 1886.

The researcher criticised by iwi for prematurely speaking publicly about a possible location for the fabled Pink and White Terraces has hit back at claims he failed to property consult on the matter.

'This is incorrect. There was abundant consultation,' said Rex Bunn.

Bunn said he had informed Tuhourangi Tribal Authority chairman Alan Skipworth ahead of numerous scientific publications and media appearances.

'The track record shows I have consulted with iwi on a continuing basis since 2014 and at a high frequency over the peak research workload of July-December 2017,' he said.

'My email log shows 43 emails alone to the TTA chair since February 1 this year. To suggest I somehow fail to consult with iwi is risible.'

However, despite the turbulence Bunn said he had no reason to believe work with the iwi would halt.

'I anticipate no alteration of that relationship, though with the advent of research competitors, I have to protect my own research to some degree this year, as does every other researcher.'

Bunn said that while he believed his work had pinpointed the location of the terraces to within 100 metres, only drilling work could confirm their continued existence.

'Only a physical sample can put the issue beyond doubt.'