Gerry Brownlee MP National Party Maori Affairs Spokesman

12 August 2005

Helen Clark misled NZ on Treaty inquiry

National Party Deputy Leader Gerry Brownlee says Helen Clark is guilty of grossly misleading New Zealanders on what would come from her inquiries into the constitution and the Treaty.

"Helen Clark said we'd have a 'public dialogue'. We have not.

"She hinted at significant change to our constitution - nothing has happened [Note]. Helen Clark over-promised and under-delivered.

"Instead, all we've got is spin, damage-control and obfuscation. This week's report from the committee set up to examine the constitution has provided no new insights, and the 'public dialogue' has consisted of Labour avoiding the issue.

"The so-called 'helicopter' Treaty review and the constitutional select committee 'stock-take' have now been laid bare as blatant attempts to divert attention away from the mounting anger over Labour's double standard on race relations.

"Most worrying is that Labour is now saying it wants to get cosy with the Greens after the election.

"All New Zealanders need to know that the Greens maintain an extreme position on Maori issues. In any coalition with that party, Labour will have no choice but to further entrench the culture of political correctness around the Treaty industry.

"Only National can be trusted to deliver policies based on need rather than race, and ensure all New Zealanders are treated equally before the law," says Mr Brownlee.

ENDS

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