Tue, 15 Jun 2004

Doctor fasts for foreshore

Dr Betsan Martin, a Pakeha researcher, philosopher and educator, yesterday began a symbolic fast for the Foreshore and Seabed.

The fast, in support of kaitiakitanga, will be undertaken for a week.

She says the fast is to support respect between cultures, to open pathways for co-governance, and to acknowledge kaitiakitanga as vital to environmental responsibility, and resource management.

Dr Martin says she wants to signal to New Zealanders the seriousness of the impending confiscation, and denial of due legal process to tangata whenua.

She says it is unacceptable that the Bill will burden our grandchildren with the weight of violence done to the Treaty, ensuring that grievance will continue to be the mode of our relationship with tangata whenua.

A Treaty educator for more than 20 years, Dr Martin says the Treaty provides a framework for harmony and collaboration, and for negotiation between the Crown and hapu. During the week of fasting she will walk along the foreshore in Wellington, and is inviting Tauiwi of goodwill, to join her.

ENDS

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