FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Rena: Government treats Treaty of Waitangi with contempt

NZ Independent Coalition Waiariki Candidate Pat Spellman says Te Ururoa Flavell must act on the finding of the Waitangi Tribunal and the scathing report. Spellman is challenging Waiariki MP and Maori Party Co-Leader Te Ururoa Flavell to take this report to his Government colleagues and endorse its recommendations.

“We’re constantly told by Flavell that being at the table means change is easier to create – well, we want some changes in the way Tangatawhenua are consulted via the Crown in instances like this, and we want the Government to explain why backroom deals are more appealing than public discussion.”

“It’s time to step up and advocate for the people, or step to the side – and leave it to the NZ Independent Coalition,” said Spellman.

He welcomes the recommendations included in the Waitangi Tribunal hearing report, released today, which states the Crown breached the principals of good faith and partnership under its Treaty of Waitangi obligations with Maori.

The Tribunal released its interim findings and recommendations today following an urgent inquiry into the Crown's conduct and actions following Rena's grounding, and after it signed three deeds with Rena's owners.

The Crown disregarded the significance of its partnership with tangata whenua over the Rena. The findings of this report demonstrate that much more needs to be done to ensure due course and transparent consultation is applied in future.

This hearing was about the crowns conduct, the kaupapa of full removal, and planning for the future – is still a wero we’ve yet to overcome” says Spellman.

He says that with the pending case before the Environment court & the resource consent application to leave the remainder of the wreck and remaining debris in our Moana, today’s report and its recommendations will be “helpful to Whanau battling for justice”

“Ngai te Hapu, Motiti Rohe Moana Trust, Maatatahua District Maori Council, the Iwi of Tauranga Moana, and the community throughout the Waiariki want the Rena removed – this report and its recommendations should be seen by the Government as a strong endorsement for just that”

Read the complete report on the Waitangi Tribunal website - www.justice.govt.nz/tribunals/waitangi-tribunal

ENDS

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