TUTEKAWA WYLLIE

Media Release--3rd September 1999.

Maori land owners look set to lose an estimated $30 Million, after an amendment to the Dairy Board Restructuring Bill in the name of the New Zealand First MP for Te Tai Tonga, Tutekawa Wyllie, was vetoed by Government members under late night urgency.

"I apologise to the Maori owners of Taranaki Reserve lands, for failing to get you a fair go. I'll just have to try again," said Mr Wyllie, " all we have created tonight is another grievance.

The aim of Mr Wyllie's amendment was to ensure that compensation would be provided to the Maori owners for the financial losses they will incur on the unimproved value of their land.

"Maori owners obtained expert valuation advice that they will lose an estimated $30 million, that is $30 million that could have been spent on development lost.

Mr Wyllie is also questioning the treatment that has been given to the owners, who were had to go to enormous lengths to even have their grievances heard:

"The owners came to see me and asked my help. They also asked other MPs for help, but to no avail. I had to try because no one else would. We just didn't have the support for my amendment. All this after others had promised me they would support it.

"This sorry saga is a continuation of Maori owners being ignored by the very people who are supposed to help them, and loudly proclaim to act in their interests. All they were asking for was a fair hearing, and a fair-go," concluded Mr Wyllie.

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