31 Jan 2012

Maori lawyer urges iwi to join SOE hui talks

8:06 pm on 31 January 2012

A Maori lawyer is urging iwi that are still to finalise treaty claims to participate in hui about State-owned Enterprise legislation because it may affect their settlements.

The Government is to hold a series of hui to consult with Maori throughout the country about the partial sale of four state-owned energy companies.

In order for such partial sales to proceed, the SOEs must first be removed from the Act and then included in new legislation.

Co-leader of the Maori Party Dr Pita Sharples is encouraging iwi to defend their treaty rights at the meetings.

A lawyer and lead treaty negotiator for various iwi, Willie Te Aho, supports that call.

He is encouraging iwi with claims still under action to go because amendments to the legislation may lead to a change in the assets available for their settlements.