Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Licence needed for work use Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Declaration Will Divide The Nation

Declaration Will Divide The Nation

Press Release by Hon Rodney Hide, ACT Leader
Tuesday, April 20, 2010

ACT Leader Rodney Hide said today he was appalled at the Government's decision to covertly sign up to the United Nations Declaration of the Rights Of Indigenous Peoples, a document which asserts for Maori rights and privileges not enjoyed by other New Zealanders.

"The ACT Party believes that the declaration is divisive and will set New Zealand on a path to a further divided nation - separating New Zealand into two, rather than bringing us together. It is the very opposite of ACT’s policy of one law for all New Zealanders," Mr Hide said.

"By signing this declaration the Government will enable foreigners in the UN to pontificate and criticise New Zealand’s race relations, policies, laws and processes.

"It was for this very reason that former Prime Minister Helen Clark refused to ratify it. Parekura Horomia has said that the declaration was incompatible with New Zealand laws and democratic processes, that it ignored reality and would be difficult to implement. Both Helen Clark and Parekura Horomia were right.

"The ACT Party is very disappointed that the Prime Minister has foisted this declaration on New Zealand. We are deeply disappointed that he has failed to honour the 'No Surprises' policy set out in the ACT-National Confidence and Supply Agreement.

"ACT, like the rest of the country, has been left completely in the dark by the Government’s actions. ACT condemns the ratification and the process that has been followed," Mr Hide said.

ENDS

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

Featured News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.