Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Silence on land sales idea disappoints party

Updated at 12:52 pm on 1 November 2011

The Maori Party says the Government has failed to respond to its call for tribes to be offered land and forestry blocks before overseas buyers.

MP Rahui Katene has asked for legislation to direct the Overseas Investment Office to ensure that the seller has first offered the land to iwi.

But she says she never got a response from the Finance Minister.

Ms Katene says under the Maori Party's new election policy, it would insert a Treaty clause into the overseas investment legislation giving iwi first right of refusal on any land or asset sales.

She says she is concerned the minister hasn't yet responded, and also because it shows there is a policy gap.

"This is a real problem for iwi - and for New Zealanders as a whole - that there is no moral obligation on the government to actually consult with the people of New Zealand."

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