Wind Claim A Step Too Far
Press Release by ACT Leader John Banks
Monday, September 10 2012

Ngapuhi's claim for the commercial use of wind defies common sense and will greatly damage relations between Maori and non-Maori New Zealanders, ACT Leader John Banks said today.

"New Zealanders are fair and reasonable. Most agree that settling the issues of the past through the Treaty Settlement process is the right thing to do," Mr Banks said.

“But the Treaty Settlement process should be about righting the wrongs of the past, not creating new divisions. Ngapuhi's attempt to claim rights over the wind will push many New Zealanders' good-will to breaking point.

"Unlike land or fisheries, the commercial use of wind does not prevent anyone else from utilising it, nor does it diminish supply.

"ACT is a firm believer in private property rights and the right of individuals to go to court to claim compensation if their property rights are impinged upon.

"But the use of wind, commercial or otherwise, does not prevent any other New Zealander from enjoying it in equal measure.

"It is disappointing that Northland iwi have lodged such an opportunistic claim which will only increase the feeling of separatism between Maori and non-Maori alike," Mr Banks said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media