Tariana Turia's abstention is a sham

"Solicitor-General Terence Arnold has now confirmed why Tariana Turia's position on the seabed and foreshore is a sham," says National Party Leader Don Brash.

"Reports this morning say Mr Arnold has backed up National's argument that Labour's foreshore and seabed package gives Maori exclusive development rights that will be denied non-Maori.

"That's why Tariana Turia won't vote against it, because she knows it's money in the bank for those that live off the Treaty gravy train. If she really thought it was bad for Maori she would vote against it," says Dr Brash.

"The Solicitor-General has exposed the Government's deception on the foreshore and seabed package, which was deliberately kept from the public until after Parliament had risen for the year.

"National remains firmly opposed to Labour's divisive agenda. The simple option was to legislate to establish the Crown ownership that almost everyone believed already existed.

"We have consistently argued that customary title paves the way for new development rights over and above those shared by non-Maori. It also hands over the power of veto.

"In addition, 16 newly-created bureaucracies will give Maori a more dominant role than other New Zealanders in the use and development of the coastline.

"This package has the potential to make Maori the owners, managers and regulators all at the same time.

"It's an invitation for corruption and a recipe for disaster," says Dr Brash.

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