16 March 2011

Greens tautoko foreshore hikoi

The hikoi that is making its way down the country highlights that National’s foreshore Bill is the same as the deeply flawed and unjust 2004 Act, said the Green Party today.

“I would to acknowledge and pay my respect to the hikoi takutaimoana that is making its way into Auckland today,” said Green Party Co-leader, Metiria Turei.

“Maori have been denied representation in the super city, and this new foreshore bill discriminates against Māori. This cannot go on, it is time for the voices of Maori to be heard. This bill should not go forward as it is.”

The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill will be before Parliament again today. It is opposed by the Green Party, Labour, Hone Harawira and ACT. It will only be supported by National and four Māori Party MPs.

“John Key's Government’s proposal is essentially the same as the Labour regime and fundamentally undermines Maori rights,” said Mrs Turei.

“While, of course, public access to beaches should be maintained, this does not mean that Maori should be singled out to have their legal rights removed.

“Our position has always been that Maori should have the right to go to Court to have their customary rights confirmed. We do not believe it is fair or right for Maori customary rights to be unilaterally extinguished by legislation.

“Our amendment to restore the ability of Courts to confirm Maori customary rights and title will be considered in Parliament today,” said Mrs Turei.

“This bill is unfair as it does nothing to change the status of the 12,500 existing private titles in the foreshore and seabed. This creates a double standard which treats Māori rights as inferior.

“Nothing in this bill will stop owners of private title stopping access or selling the foreshore into foreign ownership,” said Mrs Turei.

For more information:

Green Party Amendment metiria_turei_sop_on_marine_and_coastal_areas_takutai_moana_bill.pdf

ENDS

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