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The Prime Minister has yet to halt the sale of Mighty River Power,
despite Maori claimants threatening court action.
It's also in spite of the Tribunal's recommendation to halt asset sales
until they release their full report on the water rights issue.
Even though Tamati Cairns, a descendant of Pouakani,
is heartened by the Tribunal's report for the Government to wait...
A call for a halt is substantial.
When everything is examined,
it will soon become clear
where the Government stands.
The Prime Minister strutted in to the reporters den
and was asked if the Government would indeed wait.
The Government's stance softened towards the Waitangi Tribunal
from their initial thoughts.
Do you regret your earlier comments?
Labour believes it was inevitable
that the Maori Council were going to take this to the Tribunal.
The Waitangi Tribunal would like the Crown to take into consideration
memorialised land that is in the Crown's possession
and issues around land claim settlements to do with autonomy,
guardianship and authority.
But it seems the case will end up in court.
Which begs the question if this will all be settled amicably.
There are four water reservoirs in Pouakani's territory.
Now there's a wait for the Tribunal's full report
due out in the next six weeks.
It's yet to be seen whether the Government will indeed proceed.
Tini Molyneux, Te Karere.
We spoke to Mana Party leader
Hone Harawira earlier about the Tribunal's decision.
The question put to him was
whether he believed the matter will be taken to court...
This was how the Maori Council fought for the language,
and they'll do the same for water rights.
So, yes, they should take it to court
so that the Government understands the seriousness of this claim.
The Government doesn't seem to want to talk to the Maori Council
but are willing to talk with the Iwi Leaders Forum - your response?
We mustn't fight amongst ourselves.
The Council were the first group who fought for language rights
by taking it to the Waitangi Tribunal and the High Court.
They did the same for fisheries and now water rights.
It's only right that the Government
negotiate with the group that submitted the claim,
and that was the Maori Council.
They're entitled to consult with iwi leaders,
but don't leave the Maori Council out of it.
The Government will consult the Maori Party on its response.
What's your advice to Tariana, Pita and Te Ururoa?
If the Government don't adhere to the recommendation of the Tribunal,
the Maori Party should terminate their coalition with the Government
and come back to their people on this side of the fence.
That was Hone Harawira, Mana Party leader.