Distribution of Fisheries Assets Must Finally Begin
ACT Maori Affairs spokesman Donna Awatere Huata today urged the Minister of Maori Affairs to accept today's Privy
Council decision and move to distribute fisheries assets to iwi.
The Privy Council has dismissed an appeal by the Manukau Urban Maori Authority which argued urban Maori should be
considered iwi when allocating fisheries assets.
"It is time to stop the court cases and bitter fighting. Only the lawyers are winning from this battle. Pre-settlement
fishing assets must be distributed now.
"The assumption that iwi will not support urban Maori is wrong. This is an opportunity for iwi to demonstrate their
commitment to Maori in urban areas.
"With this money comes responsibility," Donna Awatere Huata said.
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