National’s desperate attempt to pass foreshore bill

“The National Government is forcing through the Marine and Coastal Area Bill in an attempt to do so with the support of the Māori Party before further internal rumblings cause them to implode,” Labours Shadow Attorney General David Parker and Māori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia said today.

“They are pushing this bill through before the Māori Party have a chance to do what their members want, and that’s pull their support for the Bill”, said Parekura Horomia.

“Labour has always maintained that it was willing to work responsibly to achieve an enduring solution to the foreshore and seabed issue,” said Parekura Horomia.

David Parker said, “We have been willing to consider alternatives to the current Act, including its repeal. We have not stoked race based fears, and have criticised those who have.

“We are dismayed that the government has now adopted a process which has blocked any legal advice on the effect of the changes to the threshold test for establishment of a customary marine title.

It has also forced through hasty consideration of the 500 page Departmental Report on submissions before MP’s had even read the report.

The government ignored the submissions over 5,000 submitters, and left many important technical issues unresolved.

“New Zealanders need some finality on this issue. But it has become increasingly clear that the current bill won’t work and won’t last. That is why Labour withdrew its support last year and why we are opposed to the rushed process the Government is undertaking.

“The time has come for us to take a stand and find a new way forward. We need a new solution - one that will last and meet the needs of all New Zealanders – a solution that isn’t rushed or dependant on the wellbeing of one of the Governments support parties.

ENDS

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