17 May 2002

Shock And Dismay At Fisheries Commission Payments: Peters

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters has expressed shock and dismay at the extent to which commissioners have dipped into Waitangi fisheries assets. Commenting on revelations that $11 million in fees has been paid to Waitangi Treaty Fisheries commissioners Mr. Peters said that this is further evidence of why there is no real motivation from within to stop the gravy train.

“While we are daily reminded of the tragedy of the lives of many of our Maori people the assets of our country are finding their way into the hands of a new elite. Most potential recipients of Treaty settlements are struggling to survive in substandard housing and in poor health, having failed to receive a decent education and likely to have had a severe brush with the law, Mr. Peters said.

“It is time to put an end to this grievance industry and go full out in pursuit of policies that promote social cohesion. The lack of differentiation in payments for the Chairman and the other commissioners and the fact that there are twice as many commissioners as required are both matters that need to be urgently attended to. The colour of the snout in the trough is immaterial,” Mr. Peters concluded.

ENDS

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