Treaty Tribes' Right, Says Franks

Thursday 26 Feb 2004 Stephen Franks Press Releases -- Treaty of Waitangi & Maori Affairs

ACT New Zealand Maori Affairs Spokesman Stephen Franks welcomed the Treaty Tribes Coalition's Foreshore and Seabed submission today as an inspiring document. "It is calm, respectful of New Zealanders as citizens of one nation, and well-reasoned from principle.

"It makes other contributions look hysterical. Like many of the treaty tribes' submissions against the abolition of the right of appeal to the Privy Council, it should reassure New Zealanders who fear iwi influence. Be alarmed about Labour Government racism, but don't attribute it to these Maori leaders," Mr Franks said.

"The Treaty Tribes place a value on the rule of law and property rights that should shame Attorney General Margaret Wilson. She was supposed to be the guardian of the integrity of the law. She has abused it, and the Treaty Tribes are left to defend our constitution.

"I do not agree with all of their recommendations, or reasoning - but it must be taken seriously. It is a far better reasoned document than anything produced by Dr Cullen and his unprincipled colleagues.

"It is fitting that the Treaty Tribes Coalition submission is released on the same day that Dr Cullen was forced to admit in Parliament that the `customary title' proposal was neither justified, nor required, by any decision of any court or other legal authority. Dr Cullen's answers showed unmistakeably that his customary title proposal was driven purely by the political demand for Labour votes in Maoridom," Mr Franks said.

ENDS

For more information visit ACT online at http://www.act.org.nz or contact the ACT Parliamentary Office at act@parliament.govt.nz.

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