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The final consultation hui around the partial sale
of state-owned assets will be held tomorrow
in Gisborne and in Wellington.
Today we release the results of our latest Te Karere Digipoll
related to this issue
and the leadership of John Key and David Shearer.
The response so far to SOE Treaty clause consultation
has been resounding.
But it's the actual selling of the assets
that remains the biggest concern amongst Maori voters.
Only 8% support the selling of the assets
and a resounding 88% say they don't support the Government
in selling off State-Owned Assets.
Perhaps that's why there's been a mixed response to the PM
during his recent visits over the past month.
A warm reception at the temple - not so warm up north.
Our poll was conducted prior to Waitangi Day,
but the message was clear.
We asked if people thought John Key was managing Maori issues well.
17% said yes.
However, a resounding 70% said no.
13% said they don't know.
Perhaps, but this poll was taken
before the Government started its current consultation round
with Maori.
So the Prime Minister has his opinion
but what about the Leader of the Labour Party think?
28% said yes.
16% said no.
However, 56% said they did not know.
So there is still some uncertainty around the new Labour leader,
but the good news for David Shearer
is that he has more support than John Key.
Soon we will see if the Government
takes the peoples' submissions in to account.
Jasmyn Pearson, Te Karere.
Joining us live now from Wellington to talk about our Digipoll results
is Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples.
80% of Maori are against National's asset sales – your thoughts.
There are two reasons they are against it.
Firstly, Maori want these assets to remain in NZ hands.
Secondly, if the sales happen, it will cause the Government
to veer away from the Treaty Principles.
That's why we want these state-owned companies to remain in NZ.
Tomorrow the final meetings on this issues will be held -
will the Government even consider concerns of Maori?
If the Government ignores Maori,
it will not happen because Section 9 of the SOE Act stops it.
If they will not listen, we can go to court to stop the sales.
Those are the options available to Maori.
Let's discuss the Maori Party now. If the Government insists
on eliminating the Treaty clause in the SOE Act, will you part ways?
That's a difficult question. We don't want to step down.
With our place at the table, we've received many benefits,
but the Treaty is important.
In time, we'll discuss it with Maori in all regions and they will decide.
Our Digipoll says that Maori
are strongly against John Key's plans for Maori – your thoughts?
The man is unfamiliar with our world – he's Pakeha.
He was raised in the capitalist world.
It's another good reason for us to be at the table
so that we can curb their opinions.
There are many ministers who don't understand Maori needs and wants.
The Maori Party is there to encourage them
to understand the Maori world better
so that they will not remain ignorant.
Pita Sharples, thank you for your time today.