29 April 2004
Mapp to address Hikoi
Equality before the law and equal participation in Government is the only way to advance not just Maori but New Zealand
as a whole, says National's Treaty and Constitutional Issues spokesman, Dr Wayne Mapp.
"This is the message that I will give to the Foreshore and Seabed Hikoi in Rotorua tomorrow."
Dr Mapp has been invited to address the Hikoi. The group is marching from the far north to Parliament to protest at the
proposed foreshore and seabed legislation, which is due to come before Parliament next week.
"The foreshore and seabed should be owned by the Crown on behalf of all New Zealanders, as has always been understood to
be the case," says Dr Mapp.
"National recognises customary use of the foreshore and seabed through maataitai and taiapure, both established by the
last National Government.
"Our aspiration is for one rule of law and one standard of citizenship for all New Zealanders. Only when this is
realised will we reach our full potential as a country".
Dr Mapp will address the Hikoi at a political forum at City Focus, on the corner of Tutanekai and Hinemoa streets, from
11.30am.
Ends