'National’s position on Maori Seats acts against desires of Maori 'says Pita Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party

Thursday 1 February 2007

“It is of great concern to hear from reports late this afternoon, that National is appearing to reinforce their position to abolish the Maori electoral seats” said Dr Pita Sharples, sponsor of a soon-to-be-lodged Member's Bill to entrench the Maori Electoral Seats.

“It is disappointing that National is prepared to so glibly disregard widespread Maori desire to retain the Maori electoral seats” said Dr Sharples.

“This is particularly sad on a day in which we have witnessed a significant increase in the numbers of Maori who have opted to enrol on the Maori electoral roll” said Dr Sharples.

“Whether it is 2008 or 2014 is irrelevant” said Dr Sharples. “The issue is not about ‘softening the position’. It is about whether the position should be held in the first place”.

“Maori regard those seats as the only guarantee of at least a minimal degree of representation and influence” said Dr Sharples.

“I am reminded of the wisdom of Judge Edward Taihakurei Durie who has said

“Like the Treaty of Waitangi, the Maori Parliamentary seats stand as an enduring symbol of their constitutional status - and historic statements of principle, like symbols, are essential tools in re-building our national identity’

“One has to ask where, now, do tangata whenua fit in National’s definition of national identity?” questioned Dr Sharples.

Dr Sharples expressed particular sadness at reported statements from National which suggests the abolition will not be dependent on consultation with Maori.

“Who then, will be consulted, about an issue of such constitutional importance?” asked Dr Sharples.

“If the time comes for the Maori seats to go, that must be a decision for Maori to make” said Dr Sharples.

“We would have thought, that at the very least, the indigenous peoples of Aotearoa would be entitled to a full and meaningful consultation process”.

Article 19 of the UN Draft Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states “Indigenous Peoples have the right to participate fully, if they so choose, at all levels of decision-making in matters which may affect their rights, lives and destinies through representatives chosen by themselves in accordance with their own procedures…”

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