An enduring solution sought

Iwi leaders have not had their wish list delivered, but are still hopeful that the government has allowed enough room for further progress on the foreshore and seabed.

“Today we have worked hard to keep the dialogue with the government open,” said Mark Solomon, Chairman of the Iwi Leaders’ Group and Kaiwhakahaere of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Tukoroirangi Morgan, Chair of Waikato Tainui and member of the Iwi Leaders’ Group, said for for the nation to move forward there needs to be give and take on all sides. “We accept that the Prime Minister is committed to moving New Zealand forward as a nation, and we are assured today that the Prime Minister understands the outcomes we are seeking from the replacement framework.”

“We have reached agreements on important matters of principle, that provide a strong foundation for further work,” said Mr Morgan

Sonny Tau, Chairman of Te Rūnanga a Iwi o Ngāpuhi and member of the Iwi Leaders Group said, “We need to be pragmatic, keep moving forward and recognise the significant gains that have been made. We heard today that the Prime Minister understands the importance of recognising the Treaty partnership in the new framework, and that is important to our people.”

Matiu Rei, Chief Executive of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Toa and member of the Iwi Leaders Group, stressed the importance of the tests for recognising customary rights, “The tests determine whether the new law delivers true access to justice or merely the illusion of justice. We are confident that the Prime Minister understood our points about this.”

Ngahiwi Tomoana, Chairman of Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated and member of the Iwi Leaders Group, said, “We congratulate the Māori Party for standing strong for the rights of Māori and commitment to delivering on their promise to have the 2004 Act repealed. We urge the Māori Party to work hard on the detail to get the framework right.”

“We still need to see further detail before being able to report back to our people, and make a final determination on the proposal,” said Mr Solomon.

The Iwi Leaders Group met with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Attorney General and Co-Leaders of the Māori Party this morning before Cabinet to have a frank and genuine discussion about the foreshore and seabed replacement framework.

Ends

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