The
original headline was “Government using bullying tactics say
Greens”
Govt
rejects bullying claim over iwi share offer
Finance
Minister has dismissed claims that the government is bullying iwi
into poor quality Treaty settlements
18
October, 2012
The
Government on Wednesday said it would set aside shares in state-owned
energy companies for about 65 iwi that have not yet settled their
Treaty claims.
It
plans to sell up to 49% of Mighty River Power in the first half of
next year, and in the subsequent 12 months put up Genesis Energy and
Meridian Energy for partial sale.
Iwi
will be able to choose to receive asset shares as a form of credit on
their final treaty settlement.
The
Green party says some iwi are in a vulnerable negotiating position
and will feel pressured to accept the commercial deal.
Mana
Party leader Hone Harawira told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report
programme the offer is a divide and rule tactic and a second rate
deal. He said the offer is to cash-poor iwi which are desperate for
anything, and his advice to them is to be very careful.
However
Mr English said the offer is the result of an agreement between the
Government and groups of iwi.
"It
doesn't mean they'll all pick it up, but they'll be able to get part
of their settlement paid a bit earlier ... and use that money to buy
shares."
He
said the bullying claims underestimate iwi who support the idea.
Treaty
Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson says similar deals have been
done in the past and the shares offer would not change the total
amount of settlements.
Mr
Harawira says iwi are pursuing water rights and the issue will almost
certainly go to court, and if iwi win, any share deal would be
compromised.
But
Maori Council lawyer Felix Geiringer says the claim for proprietory
rights over water has nothing to do with the offer of shares and the
offer neither resolves or interferes with the water dispute.
For
the government response GO
HERE
Here are the comments from Mana Party leader Hone Harawira
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