The Maori Party may consider walking out of its relationship with the National Party over asset sales.
Co-leader Tariana Turia says the party will “consider its position” with the Government over plans to remove reference to the Treaty of Waitangi when state-owned assets are partially sold.
The National-led Government has begun to consult Maori on its plans to sell up to 49 percent of four state-owned energy companies and further reduce its stake in Air New Zealand – consultation which is required to proceed with the sales.
The Government is now being accused of selling Treaty rights to the highest bidder after suggestions Treaty protections will not be included in the new sale legislation.
Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says the Treaty clause is “not just about Maori” and protects the country’s natural resources.
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall says the section of the SOE Act requiring the Crown to act in a manner consistent with the principles of the Treaty was left out of legislation surrounding the 1999 sale of Contact Energy, as well as earlier asset sales.
He says Government is “interested in seeking Maori views” on the issue, but Ms Turia says the removal of the Treaty clause was not discussed in supply and confidence negotiations between National and the Maori Party.
She compared the issue to that of the foreshore and seabed, and says the Maori Party will listen to their constituents on the issue.
“It's really in the iwi hands… because we're here representing their interests and our people’s interests,” she says.
Maori Party MPs will meet with iwi leaders to gather their reaction, although some have already made their displeasure known and a protest hikoi has been suggested.
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