Maori will guide us: Sharples

Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples will be guided by the people in regards to the Maori Party's future after the Government makes a decision on a proposed mixed-ownership model for State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).

A majority of presenters at hui around the country had indicated they opposed the move to sell SOEs and the Maori Party had suggested it may walk from Parliament if the Government decided to go ahead with the plan.

"We do not want to leave and we believe it is better to be in the Government making a difference than outside making a noise," Dr Sharples said.

"But if our iwi and constituents feel we do not have enough influence on such a critical issue as the principles of the Treaty, they may come to Wellington and lead us away from Parliament to go back among the people," he said.

"And if we end up not having the support of the people we are supposed to represent, then we do not really belong in Government anyway."

Dr Sharples was challenged to a "reverse hikoi" from Wellington to Hawke's Bay if the Government pushes ahead with its proposal.

The challenge was offered at Monday's night's hui at Pukemokimoki Marae in Maraenui, Napier, where deputy Prime Minister Bill English outlined proposed changes that would allow the sale of SOEs.

Ngati Kahungunu Iwi chairman Ngahiwi Tomoana said Dr Sharples was the original chairman of the iwi authority. He was also one of four taumata responsible for monitoring the kawa, tikanga and reo, or protocols, traditions and language of the iwi.

"And it was at a hui like this that the foreshore and seabed hikoi was developed," Mr Tomoana said on Monday night. The hikoi involving iwi from all over New Zealand marched to Wellington and it led to the development of the Maori Party.

"So it is appropriate we ask our former leader, our taumata and our Minister of Maori Affairs to do a reverse hikoi if the proposition tonight to enhance the value of the Treaty of Waitangi and the SOE Act is not supported by the current Government," Mr Tomoana said.

"These are the only tools we have left and if it means asking the Maori Party to walk, then Kahungunu will ask its minister to walk. We will go as far as we can and as fast as we can to ensure the next generation we represent in time will reap these rewards [retaining public assets], not only for Kahungunu but for all people of this country," Mr Tomoana said.

Ngati Kahungunu opposed any privatisation of natural resources used by energy companies and other commercial entities.

Submissions to the Government's mixed ownership model proposal close today.