Hide Invites Goff To Discuss Foreshore Solution
Press Release by ACT Leader Rodney Hide
Tuesday, December 14 2010

ACT Leader Rodney Hide today invited Labour Leader Phil Goff to meet with him to discuss a bi-partisan approach to recognising Maori customary rights in the foreshore and seabed.

“With Labour withdrawing its support for the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, it is now obvious that this politically driven attempt by the National and Maori Parties is a failure. The Bill is not the solution, and nor will it endure," Mr Hide said.

“Labour now supports a position that is very close to that of the ACT Party - that these issues should be resolved as much as possible by due process, with any claims for customary rights taken to the courts.

“ACT is the only Party that has consistently opposed National’s proposed legislation, and also opposed Labour’s 2004 Act.

“Mr Goff has expressed his willingness to work with ACT on this issue and I, along with ACT Deputy John Boscawen, look forward to meeting with Mr Goff at any time to work on an enduring solution,” Mr Hide said.

ENDS

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