ACT Calls On Dunne To Oppose Foreshore Bill

ACT New Zealand Maori Affairs Spokesman Hilary Calvert today reiterated her call for United Future Leader Hon Peter Dunne to heed public sentiment and withdraw his support for the Government’s Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill.

“Earlier this week I wrote to Mr Dunne asking him to consider withdrawing his support for this Bill – a move that I’m sure would be welcomed by his Ohariu constituents,” Ms Calvert said.

“ACT is the only Party in Parliament to have maintained a consistent stance on the foreshore and seabed issue – that the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 should be repealed and iwi and hapu given back the right to have their claims heard in court.

“The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, however, allows customary title to be negotiated behind closed doors and away from the light of public scrutiny – a move that may see select iwi benefit to the disadvantage of others.

“The public submissions process has shown overwhelming public opposition to this Bill – which will pit Maori against non-Maori, and pit iwi against iwi. Now, nearly every Party in Parliament has heeded ACT’s call to oppose this divisive Bill.

“As Parliamentarians, we all have an obligation to represent the views of the those who elected us, and the view throughout New Zealand – from both Maori and non-Maori – is that this Bill must be withdrawn. I call on Mr Dunne to join with ACT in opposing this Bill and fulfilling our duty to all New Zealanders,” Ms Calvert said.

ENDS

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