Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Concern that Treaty will be left out of new SOE legislation

Updated at 12:27 pm on 31 January 2012

The Maori Party says Treaty of Waitangi protections must be included in legislation created to partially sell four State owned energy companies.

In order for such partial sales to proceed, they must first be removed from the State Owned Enterprises Act and included in new legislation.

Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples says that if the Government is committed to acting in accordance with Treaty principles, and is remaining the majority shareholder, then Treaty protections must be included in the new legislation.

A series of hui is being held around the country this month as the Government consults iwi about the legislative changes.

Dr Sharples is encouraging iwi to defend their Treaty rights at the meetings.

Comment

New Zealand First says it is disgraceful that the Maori Party is raising concerns about Treaty rights in State asset sales, two months after the election.

Party leader Winston Peters says the Maori Party should have raised the issue while it was negotiating its support deal with National.

The Government says it's keeping its promise to consult with Maori and will release a discussion document on Wednesday.

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