Nanaia Mahuta
Maori Development Spokesperson
TPP may affect Maori land interests
8 October 2015 MEDIA STATEMENT
The Government has signed a deal that may put Maori land interests second in line to multilateral trade interests says
Labour’s Maori Development Spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta.
“Maori have a strong affinity to their lands and natural resources. It is possible that the Government could preference
foreign and corporate interests.
“The sale of SOEs, foreign ownership of sensitive lands like Crafar farms, watered down first right of refusal
provisions are all examples of the Government failing to meet Maori obligations.
“Australia can still restrict foreign buyers of its homes. Malaysia can still ban foreign ownership of affordable
housing but now it seems the Government has negotiated away our rights to protect our land.
“Maori are in a stronger position to partner and co-invest in a range of opportunities that would support economic
growth for all of New Zealand while retaining our greatest resource - land.
“The Government is treating all New Zealanders with contempt. Our sovereignty is utmost when signing up to trade deals
and access to markets should not be at the cost of our ability to legislate in our own interests.
“Sadly the Government will be calling on its band of Maori cheerleaders to sing the praises of the TPP. We are yet to
see those same people front up to explain,” says Nanaia Mahuta.
ends