Maori Party responds to attacks by a “few”

The Maori Party says it has faith in hapu and iwi throughout the country, and the majority of marchers who took part in the 2004 hikoi, to dismiss the attacks on it by a “few people” over the new foreshore and seabed bill.

“We know who we represent – our whanau, hapu and iwi remind us every day and everything we do as a political party is driven by them,” Maori Party acting leader Te Ururoa Flavell said.

"There are some pretty scurrilous claims coming over the wire including that anyone can make a claim.

“Misinformation such as all claims must be settled within six years under the new bill is a load of rubbish – there’s no deadline on settling claims, only one for lodging them. And of course our people have the option of putting a pro-forma or holding claim into the High Court while they build their case.”

Mr Flavell also rebutted statements that the new bill was a renaming exercise.

“The new bill gives our people access to the courts – a right that was taken away from them in previous legislation, so all this talk about names is really just politicking.”

The Maori Party fought long and hard to ensure that the legislation acknowledged the enduring mana-based relationship of Maori, as tangata whenua, with the foreshore and seabed, Mr Flavell said.

"In fact in the interpretation section of the bill, it describes an applicant group as meaning ‘one or more iwi, hapu and whanau groups that seek recognition of their protected customary rights or customary marine title.’

"Last time I looked, the meaning of iwi, hapu and whanau were strictly defined by whakapapa so I fail to see how this can be so misconstrued.

“Tangata whenua asked us to repeal the 2004 act and address the basic inequality it created in denying Maori access to the courts to seek clarification of rights.

"We are proud that we have finally been able to achieve this and we acknowledge the huge investment that so many have made towards ensuring repeal and restoring the rights of access.

“Let us not forget the hideousness of the 2004 act, that allowed for mass confiscation, and that today we are at a point where our people have a better chance of getting back control of the taku taimoana.”

ENDS

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