Iwi are hoping oil and gas exploration companies will learn something from a new book that looks at mining from a Maori perspective.
The publication Maori and Mining, launched by Otago University on Tuesday, outlines the issues on mining and is a resource for whanau and hapu to help inform decision-making.
It says mining contributes $5 million to the Maori economy and directly employs about 800 Maori people.
The Mangatangi Marae in north Waikato is considering appealing against a resource consent granted to Fonterra subsidiary Glencoal Energy for a nearby open-cast mine.
Committee chairperson Warahi Paki says the book could help Maori better understand mining, but he hopes the officials from Glencoal Energy will read it.
Mr Paki says he wants the published guide to open the eyes of the resource applicants and developers about where Maori are coming from and what the communities want.
Maori need to make own decisions - Te Arawa
The facilitator for the Te Arawa Coalition Against Mining says Maori shouldn't be used as instruments in other groups' fight against mining.
The Bay of Plenty iwi is fighting the opening of tenders for exploration nearby.
Facilitator Te Taru White says the book could be useful, and he would like to see Maori making their own decisions about mining.
Mr White says there are many groups that he respects, such as Greenpeace, but Maori should not be used for their purposes.
He says Maori need to be able to understand the issues and respond with their own decisions.
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