Ngapuhi leader David Rankin has stated that the Live Earth Run for Water, which takes place on Sunday 18 April, is a timely reminder for Maori that the water situation in New Zealand needs more attention.

"For decades, we have been using water without much consideration for its sustainability", says Mr Rankin, "and we are now seeing the consequences of that in the form of shortages that are spreading throughout the country"

"This is a particular issue for Maori, because in our culture, water has its own mauri - its own life force - and so when that is depleted, so are the people".

Mr Rankin will be attending the Auckland leg of the run on Sunday 18 April as kaumatua for the event ad says he feels honoured by the role he has been asked to fulfil:

"This is a worthy cause, and I am committed to doing everything possible to raise awareness among our people for environmental issues of this nature".

Auckland will be the first location in this global event where the run will take place.

Originally published in Scoop