Meka Whaitiri
MP for Ikaroa-Rāwhiti
Local Government
Assoc. Primary Industries
Assoc. Food Safety

MEDIA STATEMENT

20 December 2016

Public pressure forces RMA flip flop

Labour is pleased that the Māori Party have bowed to public pressure and are now reconsidering their support of National’s shambolic Resource Legislation Amendment (RLA) Bill, says Labour’s Local Government spokesperson Meka Whaitiri.

“This rethink is welcome news for councils around New Zealand who back their local economies and local decision-making.

“I’ve been calling on the Māori Party to walk away from these disastrous reforms ever since they first announced their misguided deal with National to support them.

“By announcing their support of National’s Bill, the Māori Party were agreeing to enshrine into law draconian ministerial powers to override local plans, council functions and consents.

“GE Free zones from Hawke's Bay to Kaitaia would have been placed at risk, in direct breach of the Māori Party’s own policy to work towards a GE-Free New Zealand.

“It’s disappointing it has taken a public backlash for the Māori Party to reconsider their support for the Bill.

“The Māori Party have flip-flopped for too long. National does not have the votes to pass this highly unpopular legislation without them.

“It’s time the Māori Party stopped doing the business of National and announced its support for this Bill was officially at an end,” says Meka Whaitiri.

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