Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Fossilised view of Maori and mining - Labour

Updated at 7:29 pm on 30 January 2012

The Labour Party says it might come as a revelation to some that not all Maori are opposed to mining and oil drilling.

Maori Economic Development spokesperson Shane Jones says there is a fossilised view that Maori aren't interested or capable of making pragmatic decisions.

While he acknowledges there are been pockets of resistance, Mr Jones says there's a variety of views - not a monolithic one.

He says oil is the country's most costly import - a resource within Aotearoa.

Shane Jones says he's open to hearing from those in favour of mineral extraction, as well as opponents.

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