Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Deputy Leader

19 December 2003

United Future can't have it both ways

National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says United Future can't have it both ways on the foreshore and seabed issue.

In July United Leader Peter Dunne joined a Nelson protest where he was reported to be 'calling on the Government to legislate to protect Crown ownership over the foreshore and seabed'.

Then on September 12 and as recently as December 8 Peter Dunne issued separate media statements saying the same thing, that: 'Ownership of the foreshores and seabeds, where it does not conflict with current legal rights, shall be vested explicitly by legislation in the Crown, on behalf of all New Zealanders'.

"The Government's proposals mean every metre of New Zealand's coastline could now be subject to a claim for customary title. Customary titleholders would have the right to veto all commercial activities in their area," says Mr Brownlee.

"Wednesday's announcement might have hoodwinked many New Zealanders in the short term but Peter Dunne should know better.

"What has Labour offered you in a bid to change your mind Mr Dunne?

"The hundreds of Nelson people who took part in the United Future-organised protest in July have every right to feel deceived," says Mr Brownlee.

"It merely confirms the view that United Future is quite prepared to follow instructions from the ninth floor of the Beehive, abandoning its principles to suit its own political ends.

"All New Zealanders may end up paying the price for Peter Dunne's new found faith in the Government proposal.

"National is urging him to think again," says Mr Brownlee. Ends

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