The head of Te Runanga o Moeraki is confident a proposed cement plant in North Otago won't affect nearby Maori rock art.
Waatea News reports the Environment Court is hearing appeals against Holcim New Zealand's $400 million plant in Weston this week.
Koa Mantell says her runanga is negotiating a memorandum of understanding with Holcim to ensure tapu mahinga kai sites and traditional art are safe.
She says opponents of the project like the Waiareka Valley Preservation Society claim to speak on behalf of tangata whenua, but only the runanga represents Ngai Tahu interests in the area.
