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Maori Party MP Hone Harawira laid out his bottom lines on the foreshore and seabed at Waitangi, challenging the government to hand full title to Maori while ensuring full access to all New Zealanders.
Prime Minister John Key said he thought an elegant solution could be found, but he warned Maori not to expect too much.
But Harawira told a hikoi at the whare runanga (meeting house) at the Treaty Grounds that people should have the highest aspirations and demands.
"When the politicians say we should be realistic, that's their way of saying 'no'," Harawira said.
Harawira said he had three key principles he wanted in any repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004, which angered many Maori and led to the formation of the Maori Party.
"One, Maori title of the foreshore and seabed," he said.
"Two, in case anyone is scared we will sell it, make it (title) inalieanable.
"Three, full access to all New Zealanders forever."
Harawira said Maori title was the only way to end the anxiety and angst felt by Maori when the foreshore and seabed was taken into Crown ownership.
He said making the title inalienable would ensure it can't be lost to overseas people buying up big chunks of it.
Harawira said the only time access would be denied would be if a rahui, or temporary ban, was placed on part of it, something done usually for tangi or to protect seafood.
"But when there is a rahui on it's not just Pakeha that can't go and fish, it's Maori as well," he said.
Key on Saturday morning said he was hopeful a resolution on the foreshore and seabed issue could be reached.
He said there was widespread consensus at an iwi Leaders Forum and that only one or two iwi didn't support the solution the government was proposing.
Labour leader Phil Goff said nobody knew what was being negotiated as most discussions were behind closed doors.
He re-stated Labour's position that the current foreshore legislation worked well.
Harawira was marching at a hikoi in support of the tino rangatiratanga flag.
The hikoi of about 150 people held the flag at the base of the Treaty Grounds flagstaff, where it is not flying, before taking it to the whare runanga.
The red, white and black design was given the tick of approval by the government, but rejected by the Waitangi-based iwi, Ngapuhi.
Harawira said getting the tino rangatiratanga flag raised on the
flagstaff with the other four flags present "may not happen
overnight, but it will happen".
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Add a Comment:
Post new commentahastings said on 2010-02-08 @ 09:53 NZDT: Report abusive post
What a discusting act by that republican man, and that is why he is a republican because he has no morals or standards by burning the flag and dressing up like an idiot. this man should be arrested and held accountable for burning a flag that means alot to me and all New Zealanders especially those who have fought under our flag
pridepassionpower said on 2010-02-08 @ 00:42 NZDT: Report abusive post
I care about the NZ flag being burnt, it really hurts me to see that, how about I burn yours in your face? I just wonder that if I carry on like an idiot and burn flags and become lazy that maybe I might get attention from the govt as well? Just a thought. BRING ON NZ DAY! ONE NATION!
ilightenall said on 2010-02-07 @ 06:45 NZDT: Report abusive post
I'm still buzzing from the Waitangi day celebration held here in Perth. Thousands attended for a day of unity and sharing in our unique Kiwi culture. Kiwi Hot Dogs, whitebait fritters, hangi, L&p with homegrown music and craft stalls, Maori and Pakeha simply celebrating being Kiwi.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 04:09 NZDT: Report abusive post
The Littlewood Treaty original version gives me my right to claim "my" land back & restore what has been taken from me without my prior say-so. Who do I gotta fight first & can i bring my Mum.
santa0007 said on 2010-02-07 @ 03:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
Foreshore & seabed issue, ultimately the country is governed by a govt,part of that is protection from invasion by anything, given the ownership goes to a non-govt entity,where are the rights if any of our constitution. As it stands now,if you have a problem with your employer & your Moari & want to take them to court,it can be done through treaty claims,according to legal services agency.Does this really mean seperatism or the justifiable return of life by an inheritad old fashioned system.