28 November 2005
Nats' opposition to Foreshore & Seabed Act evaporates
National's previously staunch opposition to the Foreshore and Seabed Act seems to be evaporating now there is a real
possibility their votes could lead to its repeal and help Maori get their day in court, Green Party Maori Affairs
Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.
The Maori Party is seeking support from other parties for a private member's bill to overturn the Foreshore and Seabed
Act, with Co-Leader Peta Sharples saying he believes National will vote for the move. National opposed the Act last year
on the basis that it didn't go far enough in protecting public access. They are now equivocating whether they will
support the Maori Party initiative, which aims to repeal the Act to restore Maori right to take their claims to court.
"Isn't it funny how in twelve short months, National's fierce opposition to the Foreshore and Seabed Act has become
weak-kneed equivocation," Mrs Turei says.
"National's equivocation now is utterly transparent. Clearly, they didn't oppose the Act last year because of any deeply
held principle, but simply as a piece of populism aimed at gaining them the baubles of power. That failed, and now the
possibility of the Act being reconsidered has come up they are not sure whether they're really that keen on seeing it
repealed.
"The only thing consistent about National's position on the Foreshore and Seabed Act is that they want to deny Maori
their legal rights to the Courts. National has at least shown itself consistent in its anti-Maori policy.
"At the same time, it is no surprise that United Future have, in 2005, backed away from their clear 2004 opposition to
the Act. I can't help but wonder whether this was the price of the ministerial portfolio - a swift turnabout based on
political expediency rather than principle," Mrs Turei says.
ENDS