Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

No crisis over asset sales - Palmer

Updated at 8:42 am on 1 February 2012

Former Prime Minister Sir Geoffrey Palmer says he believes discord between the Maori and National Parties over asset sales will not turn into a crisis

Sir Geoffrey told Morning Report it's not clear what legislative plans the Government has to drive through partial asset sales.

He said how the Government legislates any change is critical to alleviating Maori Party concern that the Crown may not intend to act in a manner that is consistent with the Treaty.

But Sir Geoffrey, a former Attorney-General, also said it should be possible to solve the problem with good consultation.

Listen to more from Sir Geoffrey Palmer on Morning Report

However, Morgan Godfery, a commentator on Maori politics, told the programme the issue is a deal breaker and the Maori Party may have to choose between its policy gains, or the principle at stake over asset sales.

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