A so called "groundbreaking" deal to loan carbon credits to a Hawke's Bay iwi is being described by some Hawke's Bay Regional Councillors as "deeply troubling".
Two councillors opposed to the deal say it lacks transparency, has been rushed through without proper consultation and gives preferential treatment to Ngāti Kahungunu over other groups.
But those who support it, including the chair of the iwi, say its critics are simply being racist.
RNZ Hawke's Bay reporter Anusha Bradley has the story.
