Labour Caucus split on Maori issues

National Party Maori Affairs spokesman Gerry Brownlee says as the election nears the Labour Caucus is becoming more fractured on Maori issues.

“The famous Labour double standard is starting to catch up with them.”

He is commenting on separate weekend reports, that suggest there are growing differences in Labour over the land access land grab, and Nanaia Mahuta’s Bill to extend legal aid to Maori groups claiming rights under the Foreshore and Seabed legislation.

“When Helen Clark tried to take Maori issues off the agenda after Don Brash’s Orewa speech, she was merely delaying the inevitable implosion of her own Caucus.

“Nanaia Mahuta is now trying to hitch another wagon to the Treaty industry gravy train. Her private member’s bill will extend new rights to Maori that non-Maori do not share,” says Mr Brownlee.

National is also challenging Jim Sutton to make good on his promise to introduce land access legislation before the election. The Maori Caucus is reportedly flexing its muscle and pushing for Maori land to be excluded because they see right to roam laws as a breach of the Treaty.

John Tamihere was quoted this morning as saying ‘any drongo’ could see it puts Labour in a ‘no win position’.

“The National Party has opposed this flawed legislation from the outset.

“We will repeal this law in Government to make sure that private property rights are protected in the best interests of both Maori and non-Maori,” Mr Brownlee says.

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