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The Hauraki-Waikato MP is opposing the Government's plans
to remove the Treaty of Waitangi Clause from the SOE Act
for its sale of state assets.
Jasmyn Pearson reports.
It was the first Treaty clause to be embedded in law.
If the Government removes the Treaty clause there will be a problem.
The problem, according to Nanaia Mahuta,
is that, firstly, National is selling off NZ assets
and, secondly, they signed up
to the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples
and therefore are morally obligated to Maori.
The Declaration is a waste of time
if they're going to remove Treaty clauses from the law.
Tribal leaders support the principles
of the Treaty of Waitangi,
but they're looking at how they can get a piece of the asset-sale pie
but as Chairman of Ngai Tahu Mark Solomon told us, it's early days.
There is a lot of work to be done
before tribes can get anywhere near buying into this
and my advice is be careful.
Opposition parties also say
the Government is appealing to tribal leaders
with advancement opportunities
but on the other hand Maori will take a big step back
if Treaty clauses are removed.
So tribal representatives are encouraged
to go to the consultation meetings.
Maori have a very short time to hear the Government's plan
and present their concerns.
Regardless, it appears they'll have a fight on their hands.
Jasmyn Pearson, Te Karere.