18 June 2004

National And Labour Both Botch Maori Marine Farming

New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters has accused both National and Labour of botching Maori involvement in marine farming.

This follows the Government allocating 20 percent of new marine farming space to Maori and also 20 percent of the area allocated since 1992 when National negotiated the Waitangi Fisheries settlement.

The new marine farming plan will be administered by the Waitangi Fisheries Commission.

“This latest plan stems from National’s unsatisfactory settlement in 1992 so it is a bit rich that Gerry Brownlee is now kicking up a fuss. To now criticise a policy they set in place is simply another example of their hypocrisy.

“When I objected to this policy in 1992 I was kicked out of the National caucus!”

Mr Peters said it was also wrong for the Waitangi Fisheries Commission to administer the marine farming allocation.

“This matter should be handled region by region through local regional councils, just like the rest of the marine farming industry,” said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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