PAUL QUINN (National) to the Attorney-General: Why is the Government reviewing the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON (Attorney-General) : It is doing that for a number of reasons. First, it fulfils a term of the supply and confidence agreement between the National Party and the Māori Party; it is an example of the constructive engagement that characterises our relationship. The Act has been controversial since it was passed in 2004, and that leads on to the second reason—the review will consider, among other things, whether the Act effectively recognises and provides for customary and public interests in the coastal marine area, and allows for the enhancement of mana whenua.
Paul Quinn: How does this Government’s approach differ from that of the previous Government?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The Government will engage constructively and in good faith with interested parties. The review panel will hold a series of hui and meetings for all New Zealanders, Māori and non-Māori, throughout the country.
Hon Darren Hughes: Before they get sacked.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: If I may say this to Mr Hughes, that stands in contrast to the previous Government, which ignored a 40,000-strong delegation of New Zealanders who marched on Parliament, preferring instead to meet with a sheep, and which described Dr Pita Sharples, a man who has dedicated his life to empowering Māori through education, as a “hater” and a “wrecker”.
Paul Quinn: What support has the Minister seen for constructive engagements in the review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I have seen a press release from the Hon David Parker, saying that “Labour will constructively engage with the Government over the review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act.”, and that “The last thing New Zealanders need is for this issue to be used to incite disharmony again and we won’t go there.” This contrasts with the disappointing comments of the Leader of the Opposition, who called the review “extremely divisive”, and publicly called for the review not to proceed—echoes of Winston Peters.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen: Does the Minister, in the light of that last answer, recall seeing billboards in relation to the foreshore and seabed that said “Iwi/Kiwi”; and which side is he on now?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The member does recall seeing those signs; times have moved on. We are attempting to deal with an issue for the benefit of all New Zealanders. I must say that I am increasingly disappointed in that member’s petty and catty comments, because I think he is better than that. What we are trying to do is constructively deal with this issue for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Paul Quinn: How has the Government engaged with its support parties in undertaking the review?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Very constructively. As the Minister responsible for the review, I am very pleased to report to the House that there has been a great deal of constructive engagement and consultation with the co-leaders of the Māori Party and the new member for Te Tai Tonga, Rahui Katene. The Māori Party has made an important and valuable contribution--
Hon Shane Jones: Hey—Harawira doesn’t agree.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: —to the review, and I for one am very much looking forward, I tell Mr Jones, to receiving the report of the review, and then moving forward in the interests of all New Zealanders.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen: Has the Minister seen a press statement from the Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples, yesterday, saying that the Foreshore and Seabed Act “confiscated” the foreshore and seabed from Māori; and does he accept the implication that Māori own all the foreshore and seabed?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I must confess I have not seen that comment; I have seen a number of comments from the Minister. I simply say to the member that we are awaiting the outcome of the review. Let us await the outcome of the review and then deal with the issue in the light of the very statesmanlike qualities of Mr Parker—who stands head and shoulders above other lawyers in his caucus—for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Paul Quinn: How does this Government’s approach differ from that of the previous Government?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The Government will engage constructively and in good faith with interested parties. The review panel will hold a series of hui and meetings for all New Zealanders, Māori and non-Māori, throughout the country.
Hon Darren Hughes: Before they get sacked.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: If I may say this to Mr Hughes, that stands in contrast to the previous Government, which ignored a 40,000-strong delegation of New Zealanders who marched on Parliament, preferring instead to meet with a sheep, and which described Dr Pita Sharples, a man who has dedicated his life to empowering Māori through education, as a “hater” and a “wrecker”.
Paul Quinn: What support has the Minister seen for constructive engagements in the review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I have seen a press release from the Hon David Parker, saying that “Labour will constructively engage with the Government over the review of the Foreshore and Seabed Act.”, and that “The last thing New Zealanders need is for this issue to be used to incite disharmony again and we won’t go there.” This contrasts with the disappointing comments of the Leader of the Opposition, who called the review “extremely divisive”, and publicly called for the review not to proceed—echoes of Winston Peters.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen: Does the Minister, in the light of that last answer, recall seeing billboards in relation to the foreshore and seabed that said “Iwi/Kiwi”; and which side is he on now?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: The member does recall seeing those signs; times have moved on. We are attempting to deal with an issue for the benefit of all New Zealanders. I must say that I am increasingly disappointed in that member’s petty and catty comments, because I think he is better than that. What we are trying to do is constructively deal with this issue for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
Paul Quinn: How has the Government engaged with its support parties in undertaking the review?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: Very constructively. As the Minister responsible for the review, I am very pleased to report to the House that there has been a great deal of constructive engagement and consultation with the co-leaders of the Māori Party and the new member for Te Tai Tonga, Rahui Katene. The Māori Party has made an important and valuable contribution--
Hon Shane Jones: Hey—Harawira doesn’t agree.
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: —to the review, and I for one am very much looking forward, I tell Mr Jones, to receiving the report of the review, and then moving forward in the interests of all New Zealanders.
Hon Dr Michael Cullen: Has the Minister seen a press statement from the Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples, yesterday, saying that the Foreshore and Seabed Act “confiscated” the foreshore and seabed from Māori; and does he accept the implication that Māori own all the foreshore and seabed?
Hon CHRISTOPHER FINLAYSON: I must confess I have not seen that comment; I have seen a number of comments from the Minister. I simply say to the member that we are awaiting the outcome of the review. Let us await the outcome of the review and then deal with the issue in the light of the very statesmanlike qualities of Mr Parker—who stands head and shoulders above other lawyers in his caucus—for the benefit of all New Zealanders.
