Te Tai Tonga MP sticks by Government's foreshore policy

1.00pm

Te Tai Tonga MP Mahara Okeroa is sticking by the Government's foreshore and seabed policy despite fierce opposition from some Maori.

Speaking at the opening of an electorate office in Kaikoura, Mr Okeroa said the policy was a middle road option that was fair for all New Zealanders.

"We have tried to take the middle of the road for the good of all New Zealanders but it is hard to walk the middle of the road," Mr Okeroa said.

The Government is proposing to confirm ownership of the foreshore and seabed in the Crown while allowing Maori a restricted ability to test their customary rights through the courts.

Some angry Maori see the only option to get their message of opposition to the Government as a march on Parliament, which is planned to set off from the Far North on Thursday.

Mr Okeroa said the Government had tried to come to a decision that was fair for all New Zealanders, but it had been a difficult issue to address.

Mr Okeroa also admitted that there were differing opinions within the Maori caucus on the proposal, as there was among Maoridom, but he did not know if that would affect the proposed seabed and foreshore legislation due to be debated and voted on in Parliament for the first time on May 6.

Two of his Maori caucus colleagues Tariana Turia and Nanaia Mahuta have said they wish to vote against the legislation.

Discussions between them and other Labour MPs will come to a head at a caucus meeting next week.

Mr Okeroa said the process had been exhausting for everyone.

"This has been thoroughly exhausting and difficult work, we have been at this for nine months consulting the public, and we have tried to do our best.

"But we get fearsome reaction wherever we go."

Ngati Tama spokesperson John Mitchell said that the Government's proposal watered down Maori customary rights to a nonsensical level.

However, Mr Okeroa said he strongly rejected those claims and argued those were rights Maori currently only thought they had.

The new legislation would affirm Maori customary rights in legislation rather than marginalise them.

"The proposal is very positive and I think is misunderstood by many people. "

- NZPA