MEDIA STATEMENT
Rahui Katene
Maori Party MP
11 November 2010

Katene: Stop putting on an Act, Hilary

The Maori Party is reminding the Act Party that it has no intention of pulling its support for the Marine and Coast Area (Takutai Moana) Bill unless it receives a clear mandate from its membership and iwi leaders that they are happy for Labour's 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act to remain in legislation.

"We urge the Act Party to follow our lead on this Bill and stop the divisive tactics,” Maori Party MP Rahui Katene said.

"We believe we have negotiated a Bill that will achieve our promise of repeal and access to justice by giving iwi and hapu legislation to test customary title in court.

"The other option is to leave the existing FSSB Act in legislation.

"Act should stop pretending that they are acting in the interests of our people because if that was the case Rodney Hide would not have threatened to destabilise the Government by resigning if Maori seats were introduced to the Auckland supercity council.

"We don’t expect all Maori to agree on any issue but we have assured people that we will listen to the submissions made to the select committee and we encourage people to have their say.

"No Bill is ever perfect and always requires compromise especially when you are five voices amongst 122.

“This Bill reopens a door that was slammed shut in 2004 – it is a step forward and a step closer to achieving what our people asked of us when we came to Parliament."

ENDS

© Scoop Media