Government Must Explain Treaty Principles
Thursday 14 Feb 2002
ACT Deputy Leader Ken Shirley said it is appalling that the Government is unable to explain what the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are, when successive Governments over the past 13 years have passed laws requiring adherence to these non-defined principles.
"It is little wonder that the Treaty settlement process has stalled, with ongoing uncertainty and conflict resulting from the differing expectations of the various sectors of New Zealand society.
"We have the extremes of a self-perpetuating Treaty grievance industry feeding off the uncertainty - while other groups, including the Greens, are openly advocating Maori sovereignty.
"Research I carried out today reveals an extensive list of laws which require adherence to the Treaty principles. These are the laws:
Archives, Culture and Heritage Reform Act 2000
Conservation Act 1987
Crown Forests Assets Act 1989
Crown Minerals Act 1981
Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998
Crown Research Institutes Act 1992
Education Act 1989
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act 2000
Environment Act 1986
Foreshore and Seabed Endowment Revesting Act 1991
Harbour Boards Dry Land Endowment Revesting Act 1991
Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park Act 2000
Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996
Historic Places Act 1993
Maori Fisheries Act 1989
New Zealand public health and disability act 2000
Ngai Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998
Ngati Turangitukua Claims Settlement Act 1999
Poukani Claims Settlement Act 2000
Resource Management Act 1991
State Owned Enterprises Act 1986
Treaty of Waitangi Act 1975
Treaty of Waitangi (Fisheries Claims) Settlement Act1992
Treaty of Waitangi (State Enterprises) Act 1988
Waitutu Block Settlement Act 1997
Royal society of New Zealand Act 1997
Te runanga O Ngai Tahu Act 1996
"I call upon the Government to review all legislation containing these references. Unless a satisfactory definition can be found, they must be removed," Ken Shirley said.
Ends