Nat. threat a problem

Press, 29 September 1988, Page 3

Nat. threat a problem

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington

Maoridom expects the National Party to reconsider its threat to repeal, or to amend substantially, the Maori Fisheries Bill now before Parliament. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Bolger, said when the bill was introduced in Parliament that a National Government would either repeal or substantially amend it. This threat is posing its own problems for the Maori negotiators meeting the Crown to finalise the settlement of Maori fishing claims. "Out biggest problem is ensuring that over the 20year time frame the Government can deliver on its agreement,” said one of the negotiators, Mr Tipene O’Regan, who is chairman of the Ngai Tahu Trust Board. “There have been threats of amendment or repeal, or of a future Government just abandoning the agreement. “The Maori position needs security against

that kind of outcome, and I see no reason why that cannot be,” he said. “But Mr Bolger’s threat of repeal has compromised out position and is a warning to Maoris which we must heed. “At the end of the day, we believe Mr Bolger will reconsider that threat,” Mr O’Regan said. Mr Bolger said the legislation ought to be withdrawn by the Government to allow more realistic discussion on Maori fisheries issues. The bill was acceptable to no-one and if the Government were serious in its desire to resolve Maori fishing claims once and for all, it should withdraw the bill. So far the Government had been prepared to listen only to the Maori point of view, he said. That was not satisfactory. Discussions and negotiations should be held with all parties. Rather than try to force divisive legislation through Parliament, the Government should drop its bill and start again.