Maori Party Supports Govt’s backdown – but points out Sour Taste of Contradiction

Dr Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia, Co-leaders of the Maori Party
Thursday 8 March 2007

“We welcome the step down from the Government; and their new found enthusiasm in taking time to talk (setting up an Access Commission) rather than taking the bulldozer approach to the rights of New Zealanders” stated Dr Sharples.

“Maori have already lost most of our lands and do not want to see the continuation of any more plans to alienate or confiscate in the name of the Crown” said Dr Sharples.

His comments followed yesterday’s release of the Outdoor Walking Access report from the Rural Affairs Minister, Damien O’Connor.

“It has been good to see that, for once, Labour’s Maori MPs have been allowed to speak on this issue” said Dr Sharples.

“Perhaps they will also be able to speak out about the sour taste of contradiction they must be feeling between this back-down – and the obvious contrast with the Foreshore and Seabed Act”.

“The question that has to be asked is why is there the double-standard?” said Dr Sharples.

"As the Minister of Maori Affairs himself declared, "Access over Maori land (is) a decision for landowners" said Dr Sharples. "And the difference between this and the Foreshore and Seabed is????"

“It seems there is a massive double standard of citizenship in operation. It is obvious that the Government has been leaned on by an influential group of New Zealanders, has agreed to allow the private property right to remain; and to even establish a Commission to file on dispute”.

“That’s all good – but tell me the difference between that, and what 50,000 New Zealanders marched to Parliament for in the hikoi opposing the Foreshore and Seabed Bill” said Tariana Turia, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

"We are also really keen to hear the Minister of Maori Affairs explain what he meant by the commitment to “restore lost access to takutaimoana" said Mrs Turia.

"I’m wondering…does this mean Labour will now be supporting my Bill to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act?"

Praise for Preparedness to Listen
The Maori Party also took time to acknowledge the Government for having the common sense to listen to New Zealanders, and even more remarkably, to be prepared to back down on their much-marketed election promise to throw open access to rivers, lakes and conservation land.

“The decision to back down from such a controversial policy is clearly a victory for Federated Farmers” said Dr Sharples, Co-leader of the Maori Party.

“We know of the significant support that many Maori had for Federated Farmers taking up the fight – and it has been a pleasure to witness the impact of their united position in opposing such an ill-conceived policy” said Mrs Turia.

“I am aware also, that tangata whenua made an extensive contribution towards advising the independent Walking Access Panel” said Mrs Turia. “Groups like the Federation of Maori Authorities, and many hapu and iwi have helped to make the difference and the Maori Party, says “Well Done!”.

“They described the obligations of the Crown to actively protect the property interests of Maori land; and to provide for economic and development opportunities" stated Mrs Turia.

"They also expressed the expectation of tangata whenua that they would negotiate directly with the Crown on matters of public interest affecting their ancestral lands and waters”.

“A Central theme throughout the submissions was that Te Tiriti o Waitangi guaranteed tino rangatiratanga…o ratou whenua o kainga me o ratou taonga katoa – the full and undisturbed possession of their lands, and estates, fisheries and other properties” said Mrs Turia.

“We can only hope that in the full light of day, the Government has come to its senses – and the same willingness to respond to the concerns of Maori will be applied across other issues which undermine the Treaty, such as in the situation of protection mechanisms (schools); shared fisheries; or land-banked properties” said Mrs Turia.

ENDS

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