24 August 2009
Media Statement

National and Act should respect select committee process

National and Act should abide by their own stated commitment to respecting the select committee process on the super city and back the 60 per cent of submitters who supported Maori seats, says Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia.

“Prime Minister John Key and Act leader Rodney Hide both gave a number of assurances that they would be willing to revisit aspects of the Government’s super city proposals if submitters opposed them.

John Key has said ‘I want to reiterate that the Government approaches this process with an open mind. We are listening to Aucklanders.’
“When Rodney Hide called for public input through the select committee process back in May he said: ‘It’s important that people make their views known to the Government so we get the right structures in place to ensure good governance for the Auckland region well into the future, and also guarantee that local grassroots democracy is preserved and promoted for the benefit of all.’
“People did make their views known and the majority of submitters who took a stance backed Maori seats. Of those submissions, about sixty percent supported Maori seats, and a further 20 per cent instead affirmed the need for some sort of Maori representation or participation. Just 20 per cent registered their opposition to Maori seats,” Parekura Horomia said.

“That’s a clear mandate for the Government to change its mind and support the Maori seats. Rodney Hide told Parliament he had ‘faith’ in the select committee process, but his stance so far shows complete disregard for the voice of grassroots democracy.

“Rodney Hide has also said on numerous occasions that the decision is ultimately one for Parliament to make. Why then is he holding the Government to ransom?
Once again his so-called principles are exposed as completely conflicted.

“John Key needs to respect the select committee submissions, his Maori Party colleagues - and indeed his own Maori MPs - and take a stand.

“If he’s not personally willing to vote for the Maori seats, the least he could do is respect the views of his own Maori MPs and allow them to vote according to their consciences. Those MPs votes could save the seats,” Parekura Horomia says.

“Symbolic gestures, such as allowing a Maori flag to fly on the Harbour Bridge, are no replacement for protecting and supporting the ability of Maori to participate effectively in our democracy. Maori will not tolerate being patronised.”

ENDS

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