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Govt's approach to hui questioned

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Govt's approach to hui questioned

3News NZ

Te Ururoa Flavell and Pita Sharples from the Maori Party

Te Ururoa Flavell and Pita Sharples from the Maori Party

The Maori Party is questioning the government's commitment to "good faith" consultation with iwi over water rights.

Finance Minister Bill English is holding a series of hui with iwi to explain the Government position on the partial privatisation of state-owned energy companies, and the Waitangi Tribunal's suggestion that Maori could be given shares carrying powers "above and beyond" those of other shareholders.

The Government says the 'shares plus' concept wouldn't work but it wants to hear whether iwi have any new ideas on it.

The first hui in Hamilton on Tuesday night attracted only 15 iwi members but on Wednesday morning about 100 Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa representatives turned up in Taupo.

About 80 Whanganui iwi members were reported to have attended Wednesday night's hui in Whanganui.

Mr English has three more to go.

The Government delayed the Mighty River Power share sale until March next year so iwi could be consulted, but Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell says he and his colleagues have serious concerns about the way the Government is approaching the discussions.

"They tell our hapu and iwi that they intend to consult in good faith and yet their actions don't reflect this," he said.

"The Crown has deliberately gone into these hui with a pre-determined outcome."

Mr Flavell questioned Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson in Parliament about the Government's attitude, and was told it had a "preliminary position" on shares plus.

Ministers insist they are willing to listen to any suggestions from iwi.

NZN

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Comments

20/09/2012 3:12:07 p.m.

observer wrote:

I agree with you gary.

20/09/2012 1:33:29 p.m.

Gary wrote:

Maori must stand strong and stand together. Do not get fooled by governments tricks. One voice is a loud and strong voice that government will here. They will do everything they can to cause segregation and divide. STAND TOGETHER WITH PRIDE AND HONOUR FOR ALL NZ

20/09/2012 12:21:40 p.m.

jason wrote:

Jason Maori have raised their concerns with the JK and the Government many times. They listen but thats as far as it will get, and suprise! this is not a phenomenon experienced by just Maori. During National's political campaign, they made it no secret the fact that asset sales were on the agenda. If New Zealanders and Maori are against sales, why did they vote them into Government? Many New Zealanders would have voted National for their own reasons but you can't pick and choose now. Maybe next election New Zealanders will vote sensibly, i know i definately will!

20/09/2012 12:11:24 p.m.

Takere wrote:

The King 1000 PinoKeyo & Blinglish 95? Hows this a fair process of consultation?

20/09/2012 11:20:36 a.m.

@Jason wrote:

John Key should be PM of all NZers, ie work in everyone's interests, not just in the interests of his mates and those who voted National. Just as Obama said recently re Mitt Romney's digusting comments.

20/09/2012 10:55:11 a.m.

Christine wrote:

These hui run by Government at short notice I do not like why because it doesnt give hapu/iwi enough time to talk and have discussions on how they can proceed will this reminds me of so much of how grey hobson gathered all the people and to quickly get signatures and made it lawful. Whatever you do our maori talk about it with maori and then bare in mind that once you sign up a deal with government it is bind. I want our maori people from different whanau,iwi and hapu to consult with other iwi/hapu in that way we are all on the same page. Dont want the govt to misrepresent maori.

20/09/2012 10:55:01 a.m.

jason wrote:

The Government won't act on the concerns Maori have. National campaigned and New Zealand voted, enough said.

20/09/2012 10:17:13 a.m.

David wrote:

@Southern Man Unfortunately John Key isnt actally right wing.. there is another group of politicians in the world that can fit into right wing parties... and pretend thats what they are... but they preach personal responsibility, then they start throwing up minority groups as hate targets like beneficiaries, the sick, the elderly, unwed mothers or the poor or even use racial hatred to stir negative sentiment. These politicans arent right wing... though their hatred makes them look a little right wing... but what they are is Fascists... a nasty group of individuals. And currently Nationals ranks are infested with them. Consultation is nothing more than a crock and they dont respect democracy at all. So what we currently have is a Fascist leader, not a right wing leader who would be more prone to respecting the democratic process.

20/09/2012 9:02:20 a.m.

Southern man wrote:

""They tell our hapu and iwi that they intend to consult in good faith and yet their actions don't reflect this," he said." It's called a knife in the back from, guess who? THE SMILING ASSASSIN of course! Wakey wakey, this was entirely predictable. Play with fire and you get burnt.