Maori Affairs Minister Hon Tau Henare today hit back at critics of his decision to call for nominations for Te Ohu Kaimoana.

"The fact of the matter is that if I leave this process unchanged heading into an election it will become a political football and the only winners will be political aspirants, not Maori," he said.

"There are a lot of self interested groups with their snouts in the trough squealing when all I've done is enacted the process of seeking nominations to the commission.

"There are many vested interests in the fisheries debate, some larger than others, but all nominations will be given fair examination, whether it's from a Maori on the street to a Maori from the boardroom. Some would have me consider one specially because they come with bows and ribbons. That's not the case.

"The issue is bigger than them or me. I've made it quite clear in previous public statements about my reasons, intentions and the process, and I intend to follow it through.

"Why these people feel threatened by the process is beyond me. I've laid all my cards on the table despite this line being run by those who feel intimidated by my actions that I'm trying to "curry favour" with my constituents.

"My record will stand up to scrutiny despite the best intentions of those who seek to undermine the process," said Mr Henare.

ENDS

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