English satisfied with water rights hui

The Deputy Prime Minister is satisfied with the latest water consultation hui.

Around 60 people turned out in Wanganui yesterday afternoon to air their views over the proposed 'share plus' concept, and water rights issues.

Bill English says there was serious and considered discussion over the iwi's claims over the Whanganui River.

He says they're more focused on that, than on the Shares Plus scheme.

"They're not interested in shares in the companies so therefore they're not interested in what sort of shares those might be and I think it shows the point that each iwi has a different way of looking at it."

Little's being given away about how water rights hui may affect the Government's legal position on partial asset sales and water ownership.

After just 12 people turned up to a hui in Hamilton on Tuesday, there was a healthier turnout at subsequent hui in Taupo and Wanganui yesterday

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson won't be drawn on how attendance numbers may affect the Government's position.

"I'm not in a position to tell you what the Government's legal advice is or what any legal strategies are."

Photo: NZ Herald