"possible uninformed public backlash"

Maori leaders have mounted a bid for effective ownership ... of the country's freshwater.

This would allow them ... to onsell it to those who need water for irrigation, hydropower and other commercial uses

a partner in Chen Palmer, warned of a possible uninformed public backlash in light of the controversy over the Foreshore and seabed issue

Damned right there'll be public backlash.  And it won't be uninformed as the natives try to claim freshwater in New Zealand for theirs to tax in perpetuity.

If only the Nats had put these "partnership" issues to bed when they had political capital to expend.

See where pandering to the racist apartheid Maori Party for votes gets you Mr Key?