10 Dec 2010

Many Maori opposed to tests in marine bill - Turia

8:35 am on 10 December 2010

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia admits that many Maori are opposed to the tests in the Marine and Coastal Area Bill.

But she says the Labour's withdrawal of support for the bill is hypocritical.

Labour says the legislation will not produce an enduring resolution to the foreshore and seabed issue.

Mrs Turia told Morning Report that her party only promised the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act and to reinstate the right to go to court.

She said the Maori Party has not been able to change the tests in the bill and Maori will have to go to court to mount challenges.

She said she was very confident her party will cast four votes in favour of the legislation and that it will pass into law.

Labour's withdrawal leaves the Government with a majority of two for the legislation.

Mrs Turia earlkier said Labour thinks every Maori person in the country is against the legislation.

But Mrs Turia said not one of those people will have forgotten what Labour did when it introduced the original Foreshore and Seabed Act.

She said she was not suprised by Labour's decision.

Labour in talks with Greens

Labour has begun talks with the Green Party and ACT about an alternative approach.

Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says it gives the Maori Party a place to go.