Water Debate Unnecessary and Divisive

“It’s time to stop dividing New Zealand,” Colin Craig, Leader of the Conservative Party said today.

“The Conservative Party believes in equal rights and privileges for all New Zealanders, as set out in the Treaty of Waitangi. We are committed to one standard of citizenship and support common ownership by all New Zealanders of the foreshore, seabed, and waterways.”

“Water falls free from the sky and is a common asset that all of us as New Zealanders share in. If commercial interests make substantial use of water, and we charge them for it, that revenue should belong to all New Zealanders equally.”

“The idea of allocating special ownership rights to any person or group is unwise. As New Zealanders we are tired of the continual litigation and bargaining that promotes and encourages division.”

“The National Party is setting a dangerous precedent when it comes to publicly owned assets in this country. The Conservative Party has a clear position that water assets should not be privatised to any interest or group. We do not want a repeat of the foreshore and seabed legislation which was a mistake, and put tribal interests ahead of the public good."

"We are also opposed to this becoming another dispute settled by a back room deal."

"Water is an asset that should be held in common ownership for the benefit of us all.”

ENDS

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