Mana Party leader Hone Harawira is making a bold claim that the Treaty of Waitangi can be used to stop state owned asset sales and is calling on Maori to reject the necessary law change at a series of Government-organised Hui.
The Government has planned a series of hui to consult with Maori on legislative changes it considers necessary in order to float the minority shareholdings of four State Owned Enterprises (SOEs).
"Section 9 of the State Owned Enterprises Act says that the Crown must not act in a manner inconsistent with the Treaty. And to sell off assets that Maori still have claim over is inconsistent with the Treaty," Harawira told TV ONE's Breakfast.
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Harawira said the majority of Kiwis are opposed to the sale of state assets.
"The Treaty is stopping the Government from flogging off the nation's assets, so they're gonna throw the Treaty out," claims Harawira.
"So I'm urging Maori to get along to these hui to defend the Treaty, oppose the sale of state assets, and join the fight to ensure that no more of our lands and resources are lost to overseas interests."
Harawira said he thinks it is beholden upon every Maori to get along to the hui's and oppose it.
"Say we don't like it because once privatised we are going to be paying higher prices for our power, that's a given."
Larger iwi have been targeted as potential investors in the Government's plan to sell down its holdings in some of its energy companies, and in Cabinet papers prepared last year, the Treasury said Maori have the "potential to play a significant role in the achievement of widespread and substantial New Zealand ownership as enduring strategic investors."
The SOEs include Genesis Energy, Meridian Energy, Mighty River Power and Solid Energy, under new legislation the Government will retain at least 51% ownership, with individual shareholdings limited to 10%. The Government is also seeking written submissions on its proposals.
"We promised to talk with iwi when we originally announced plans to partially sell the four energy companies and Air New Zealand last year," Finance Minister Bill English said in a statement.
"We want to understand Maori views before we take final decisions."
English and State Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall will lead the process, starting in February. It will be facilitated by former public servant, Wira Gardiner.
English said, the five partial share floats will free up billions of dollars for investment in schools, hospitals and public infrastructure and help ensure New Zealand avoids the kind of debt crisis faced by Europe.
"The Government has promised all New Zealand investors they will be at the front of the queue for the shares," he said.
Mighty River Power will be first off the block, with a sale flagged for the third quarter this year.
