Calm down over water issue
Commentator Willie Jackson says New Zealanders need to calm down over the water issue. On TVNZ’s Marae Investigates
programme today he said concerns about Māori taking over water were being blown out of proportion.
“Māori have proved in the past that we’re not going to bankrupt this country. We didn’t hit the country for billions
when we lost our land. South Canterbury Finance got $1.6Billion over night we got $1Billion over 25 years. We’re hardly
going to bankrupt the country over water. “
Mr Jackson told interviewer Miriama Kamo that the Prime Minister was trying to manipulate the discussion.
“What Key has done this week is he’s sort of turned the nation against Maoridom subtly playing the race card saying,
you’ve got to watch out for these Māori, they’ll sell off the water. I think what people have to do is listen to what
Sir Eddie Durie has to say. He’s a very reasoned spokesman on this. He says it’s not about Māori owning the water, it’s
about looking after Māori interests. “
Willie Jackson says the word ‘ownership’ is emotive. “Especially Maori’s owning water, that’s what drives some of the
talkback callers crazy. But it’s not about that and Māori have said we don’t mind the Crown looking after the interests
as long as they look after everyone’s interests. But a Te Arawa spokesman said when you made it 51% and you want to
sign off 49% to other interests that changed the whole game”
ENDS