Government ruling rides roughshod over Treaty

Green MP, Metiria Turei said today she was extremely disappointed at the Government rejection of a Waitangi Tribunal recommendation that Maori should be compensated for the loss of oil and gas rights.

"The nationalization of oil and gas rights in 1937 was a major issue in Parliament at the time, with considerable cross-party recognition that it had major Treaty implications," said Metiria, the Green Party Maori Affairs spokesperson.

"For the Labour-led Government to over-rule the Tribunal now will only compound the injustices of the past.

"A truly meaningful Treaty relationship means that new issues will arise all the time and must be dealt with respectfully and in good faith by both parties. This blanket rejection by the Crown of a Tribunal recommendation is neither respectful nor in keeping with Labour's pledge to honour the Treaty.

"The Government's refusal to deal meaningfully and honourably with Maori over the question of compensation for oil and gas rights raises serious doubts about how hard it's been listening to Maori on ownership of the foreshore and seabed," said Metiria.

"The Government promised to consult Maori over its plans for the foreshore - we now have to see if it bothered to listen."

ENDS

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