Act to hold public meetings on foreshore and seabed
Act is looking to drum up opposition to the proposed Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill, which Act Party deputy leader John Boscawen describes as "flawed and deeply divisive legislation."
Hot Topic
Hawke’s Bay
Act Party deputy leader John Boscawen will host a series of public meetings in Auckland this month over controversial foreshore and seabed legislation.
He said the meetings would outline the history of the foreshore and seabed debate, and discuss the implications – and impending consequences – of the government's proposed Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill.
"The Maori Affairs Select Committee's hearings on this bill have ended. During this process Maori and non-Maori alike made it abundantly clear that there is no mandate for this bill," Mr Boscawen said.
"Despite this, however, the National and Maori Parties remain determined to forge ahead with this flawed and deeply divisive legislation.
"Act is the only party to have maintained a consistent view on the foreshore and seabed issue: the 2004 act should be repealed, and Maori returned the right to have their claims heard in open court.
"The foreshore and seabed is a huge issue for all New Zealanders and the government cannot be allowed to put short-term political gain ahead of finding a long-term and just resolution," Mr Boscawen said.
Niko Kloeten
Tue, 01 Feb 2011
Tue, 01 Feb 2011
© All content copyright NBR. Do not reproduce in any form without permission, even if you have a paid subscription.
Act to hold public meetings on foreshore and seabed
11974