Declaration Will Divide The Nation

Press Release by Hon Rodney Hide, ACT Leader
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today he was appalled at the Government's decision to covertly sign up to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights Of Indigenous Peoples, a document which asserts for Maori rights and privileges not enjoyed by other New Zealanders.

"The ACT Party believes that the declaration is divisive and will set New Zealand on a path to a further divided nation - separating New Zealand into two, rather than bringing us together. It is the very opposite of ACT’s policy of one law for all New Zealanders," Mr Hide said.

"By signing this declaration the Government will enable foreigners in the UN to pontificate and criticise New Zealand’s race relations, policies, laws and processes.

"It was for this very reason that former Prime Minister Helen Clark refused to ratify it. Parekura Horomia has said that the declaration was incompatible with New Zealand laws and democratic processes, that it ignored reality and would be difficult to implement. Both Helen Clark and Parekura Horomia were right.

"The ACT Party is very disappointed that the Prime Minister has foisted this declaration on New Zealand. We are deeply disappointed that he has failed to honour the 'No Surprises' policy set out in the ACT-National Confidence and Supply Agreement.

"ACT, like the rest of the country, has been left completely in the dark by the Government’s actions. ACT condemns the ratification and the process that has been followed," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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