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

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