Media Statement
Monday, 6 July 2009

Hon Peter Dunne
MP for Ohariu
Leader of UnitedFuture

Dunne: Principles, not compensation, should govern foreshore settlement

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne says principles, not compensation, should govern the Government’s approach to the foreshore and seabed issue.

Mr Dunne says it is clear in the light of the report from the group set up to review the Foreshore and Seabed Act that a strong case exists for its repeal, but he is calling on the Government to rule out compensation as part of any repeal package.

“This is fundamentally an argument about principles – the principles that regardless of ownership all New Zealanders must continue to have the rights of access to the foreshore and seabed they enjoy now, and that the right to due process through the courts must be preserved.

“New Zealanders will be prepared to recognise customary title, so long as existing rights of access are preserved, but they are unlikely to accept another round of compensation being paid, particularly in difficult economic times,” he said.

Mr Dunne says the foreshore and seabed issue has been a sad chapter in New Zealand’s history, and it is time to move on.

“Many New Zealanders have learned from the experience, and have no wish to repeat past mistakes.

“New legislation will provide the opportunity to put things right, but it is important that it does not create either its own set of expectations, or the opportunity for populist exploitation, which will simply divide the country.

“The ball is in the Government’s court and it needs to rule out compensation firmly and early,” he said.

ENDS

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