Harawira appalled at Labour arrogance
Press Release by Hone Harawira at 2:20 pm, March 5, 2009

“Labour’s got a bloody cheek talking about constructive engagement over the review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act,” said Hone Harawira, Maori Party MP for Tai Tokerau, who led the march from Cape Reinga to Wellington to protest the proposed legislation in 2004.

“They’re the bastards who stole it,” said Harawira. “What do they want from us – a cuddle?”

“I’m appalled at their arrogance but I’m not surprised by it.”

“Labour knew how passionately Maori opposed the bill, and yet they still went ahead with it. The National Council of Churches opposed it, the Law Society challenged them on it, the United Nations called it bad law, the Waitangi Tribunal disagreed with it, and so did every iwi in the country.

“Hell 40,000 Maori marched to Wellington to oppose the bill, and yet still the Labour government rammed it through.”

“If Labour wants constructive engagement over the review, then I invite them to come and make the cup of tea at all the hui I’ll be holding round the country to condemn their treachery, celebrate the review, and plan for the repeal.”

“The Foreshore and Seabed Act was a racist knee-jerk reaction to a simple court ruling allowing iwi to take their claims to the Maori Land Court,” said Harawira. “If Labour is genuine about wanting constructive engagement in the review, they might want to start with an apology.”

ENDS

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