Maori Party disgusted in Labour's lack of knowledge

The Maori Party is today appalled that the Prime Minister of this country, was unable to answer a simple question about the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, in the television programme ‘Eye to Eye’.

“ When asked to describe these principles the Prime Minister was unable to articulate a response, using a vague reference to being ‘inclusive’” said Mrs Turia.

“I would remind the Prime Minister that the Royal Commission on Social Policy (1988) put forward three principles: Participation, Partnership, Protection. Those three words have served many of us well in describing the fundamental document of this land”.

“I am astounded that both leaders of the two mainstream political parties have in one week demonstrated their ignorance of such a critical relationship for this country”.

“At the start of the week, Dr Brash rejected the notion of partnership implied from the Treaty” said Mrs Turia. “My advice to him would to return to the Court of Appeal findings in 1987 when President Cooke said that "the Treaty signified a partnership between races”. [New Zealand Mâori Council v Attorney-General, [1987] 1 NZLR 641.]

“The Court of Appeal findings have guided both the Courts and the Waitangi Tribunal since that time, and it is disappointing that such advice is overturned in the election frenzy”.

“The principle of partnership includes the further obligation on both parties to act reasonably, honourably and in good faith” stated Mrs Turia.

“I believe an excellent demonstration of ‘acting reasonably, honourably and in good faith’ would be for both Dr Brash and Ms Clark to do some reading on the Tiriti o Waitangi”.

“One of the focus areas of the Treaty policy that Ikaroa Rawhiti candidate, Atareta Poananga announced on Wednesday, was Treaty education. Clearly the first place to start will be with both National and Labour leaders”.

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