Nats throw out the rule of law on the Foreshore and Seabed

National's Foreshore and Seabed policy confirms that it is prepared to completely disregard the rule of law in its efforts to deny the rights of Maori as Tangata Whenua, says Green MP Metiria Turei.

Don Brash is launching the policy today in the Bay of Plenty, where Whakatohea is seeking a customary rights order from the Maori land Court.

"National wants to take away the flotsam and jetsam of Foreshore and Seabed jurisdiction that Labour has left the Maori Land Court," said Mrs Turei, the Green Party's Maori Affairs Spokesperson.

"All that Maori have ever asked for is their day in court to have the settler State recognise the reality on the ground.

"Don Brash is going to stand on a Bay of Plenty beach today and tell its guardians, Whakatohea, that they don't exist.

"Not only does he want to perpetuate the injustice that Whakatohea has never had its kaitiakitanga legally recognised, he wants to actually prevent the exercise of their kaitiakitanga.

"So all we're seeing today is National putting its hand up yet again in its bidding war with Labour to over throw the rule of law on Maori interests and rights. Shame on them both," said Mrs Turei.

ENDS

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