By Adam Ray
The Maori Party's waited more than a week for their meeting with the Prime Minister and it ran an hour longer than expected - but the two sides made good use of that time
“We were concerned about legislation being introduced over the Waitangi tribunal hence we've talked it through and happy with the outcome,” says Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia.
Ms Turia says the Prime Minister's agreed the Government won't make laws that go against Maori rights to water
“The main issue was that this Government would do the same as Labour by legislating away rights and they have agreed not to do that,” she says.
Some have been calling for the Maori Party to walk away from their relationship with National.
The Prime Minister angered many within Maoridom by saying he's prepared to ignore the Waitangi Tribunal recommendations over water claims.
But Ms Turia was happy with Key's response last night
“He has explained that all he was doing was reiterating the law as it stood and I have accepted his response.”
And Ms Turia says while the two parties may disagree over the Waitangi Tribunal, they will talk about it
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