Turia holds fire on foreshore vote

By RUTH BERRY

Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia intends to abstain from voting on the foreshore and seabed - ensuring the Government has the numbers to pass the legislation.

Mrs Turia announced her plans at an electorate hui she called in Wanganui yesterday. She asked the hui whether it would support her intentions and a motion was then passed directing her to abstain.

Mrs Turia told the hui National Party leader Don Brash's Tuesday speech had left her unwilling to vote with Opposition parties against the Government's plans.

Mrs Turia, the MP for Te Tai Hauauru, and Tainui MP Nanaia Mahuta had previously refused to pledge their support for the proposed legislation. Both had said they would be guided by their electorate.

Mrs Turia's abstention ensures that the Government, with United Future's support, has a majority - regardless of the stance Ms Mahuta takes.

Ms Mahuta said yesterday she had problems with abstention. "The difficulty is that it leaves you in the same position as prostitution law reform" - referring to the abstention by Labour MP Dr Ashraf Choudhary that allowed the bill to pass.