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Iwi representatives and claimants gathered today in Wellington
to discuss the Waitangi Tribunal's decision on water rights
and the effect it has on the Government's next move.
It's a meeting called by
Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples,
and Peata Melbourne was there.
Media weren't allowed into the meeting,
but hundreds of iwi leaders and claimants turned up
to meet with the Minister before his party's meeting with the PM tonight.
I want to gather everyone's thoughts on the water rights issue.
It was the first time all of the co-claimants and iwi reps met
to find common goals and interests
to table before the Government over Maori interests in fresh water.
We need to meet face to face,
leader to leader.
If that was to happen,
then we would agree not to go to court or the Tribunal.
We want the Government
to uphold our rights and interests
for our younger generations.
It's a last-minute meeting, called by the Maori Affairs Minister,
that comes off the back of the Government
asking the tribunal to fast-track their final recommendations.
It's an insult to the tribunal
when the Government tells them to hasten the report process.
We have to look at the sale aspect.
What is the relationship between the Treaty and the selling of assets,
and what is being compromised?
But just who will do what won't be determined
until the tribunal present their final report later this month.
Peata Melbourne, Te Karere.