Maori Party slams Government's water rights hui

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Maori Party slams Govt hui

3News NZ

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia (Photo: Jared Mason)

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia (Photo: Jared Mason)

By Political Editor Duncan Garner

The Government's coalition partner, the Maori Party, has slammed the Government's consultation process.

As the Government prepares to press the flesh with iwi about fresh water and asset sales, Tainui's leaders have bolted, saying no thanks to a chat with the Government at tonight’s hui.

But Prime Minister John Key says the Government wants to consult on this issue.

By consult, the Government wants to discuss 'shares plus' – a recommendation from the Waitangi Tribunal to give Maori shareholders more rights than other shareholders, but the Government already says it's unacceptable.

The Maori Party says that's not true consultation.

“I think it's inappropriate to go out with a predetermined situation rather than going out and consulting with iwi,” says Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia. “I wouldn't turn up either. It can't be [a genuine consultation] if you have a pre-determined position. That's not what consultation is about. It's wasting people's time."

But Mr Key doesn't agree, and by not turning up Tainui may indeed be strengthening the Government's legal position.

“The advice I have had is as long as we follow good faith, as we are, and someone doesn't turn up, it may affect their position but it doesn't ours,” says Mr Key.

Now Tainui is calling on all iwi to unite behind its boycott.

“People are reminded that they need to stay united and stand firm," says Tainui representative Tuku Morgan.

But united Maoridom is not, and rarely has been. Tuwharetoa will not boycott their hui with the Government in Taupo tomorrow, and that's not lost on the Prime Minister.

“There are more positions than Lady Gaga has outfits,” says Mr Key.

Some in Maori say the Government is only consulting to shore up its legal position so they can claim next year they have done the right thing.

“The Waitangi Tribunal did find they should be consulting,” says Ms Turia. “I guess they want to tick that box.”

“The Government is fulfilling its obligations for genuine good faith obligations,” says the Prime Minister.

But it’s good faith that Maori seem awfully sceptical about.

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Comments

19/09/2012 4:07:31 p.m.

observer wrote:

How are Maori so divided on this issue? Apart from Tuwharetoa who will have their own talks with the Government, i would say that overall and collectivly, Maori are united on this issue. On the whole, the majority of New Zelanders are against NZ assets being sold off shore to big buisness, theres a citizens initiated refferendum going around the country in protest of the governments actions so the question i would ask is, WHERE ARE YOU NEW ZEALAND?! Maori are fighting this battle on their own and this is a nation wide issue, not just a 'Maori' one as some would put it.

19/09/2012 1:28:27 p.m.

William wrote:

I am so disturb by the divisions between Maori in this respect. I believe what Tainui have done is a right stand. The govt try and set the terms, they say move and expect Maori to run like dogs. Get lost! Maori (Tainui) have done the right thing, considering past consultations (So called consultations) where Govt informs Maori of what they are going to rather than seeking an equal decision based on what both Parties would like, which is in line with the Treaty of Waitangi. The Division between Maori needs to stop, Maori need to unite and attack this problem together.

19/09/2012 10:22:11 a.m.

dan wrote:

So the Government are to discuss the 'shares plus' idea with Maori, a recommendation from the Waitangi tribunal and yet the Government dont agree with the idea. What other suggestions if any, do the govt have other than the shares plus option? Be interesting to see what the complete report of the tribunal will show.

19/09/2012 9:09:44 a.m.

Mal wrote:

@ROB. The govt whp wrote the treaty for their own benefit

19/09/2012 7:46:08 a.m.

jan.. wrote:

The Government is out of order, the Maori has the right to their treasures and despites what anyone has to dedicates to the decorations.. GO HARD TURIA and STAND TALL, the Whanau Iwis are counting and depending on your good judgement.. KIA KAHA..

19/09/2012 5:33:10 a.m.

Rob wrote:

Who runs this country? The Government or the Waitangi tribunal?

18/09/2012 11:14:14 p.m.

David wrote:

@Davo Given that treaty settlements have cost the co9untry around 2.5 Billion dollars and there are well over 500,000 Maori currently living in the country. Thats around $5000.00 per head for the rape of their culture, the death of their people, the abuse they suffered at eurpean hands and the almost extinction of their entire race. If you aks me... $5,000 each for that sort of abuse isnt even coming close to fair reperation.

18/09/2012 9:17:20 p.m.

Farmer Jack wrote:

Well Maori had the chance to talk, but they stuck their head in the sand again .

18/09/2012 8:17:24 p.m.

davo wrote:

Fruther to my last comment.
"All animals are equal, but some are more equal than others".
Animal Farm maybe it should be required reading for all interested parties.

18/09/2012 8:09:18 p.m.

Sarah McArdle wrote:

'there are more positions than Lady Gaga has oufits'....???!!! I wouldnt turn up to a hui with a prime minister who speaks so candidly of important issues such as these. This flippant remark, makes me start to wonder whether this is a filthy game of poker, best hand wins the 'shares', gets the money. There is definitely a cynical tone coming from John Keys end. From reading this article I would say the Prime minister is behaving in a condescending manner, which makes me think he is the smug, arrogant man many people say he is. I have wanted to keep an open mind for a long time, but this behavior causes me much concern.