September 12, 2012
Mahuta criticises no-show MPs
Hauraki Waikato MP Nanaia Mahuta says National Party Maori MPs are doing themselves disservice by skipping tomorrow’s national hui on water at Turangawaewae Marae.
Prime Minister John Key ordered his MPs to stay away, after earlier ruling out a Waitangi Tribunal recommendation that the government call a national hui on the issue.
Ms Mahuta says Maori King Tuheitia wants to create a space for discussion, and Labour’s MPs will be there to hear what the iwi and the New Zealand Maori Council have to say.
“Water is an issue across the political spectrum and it’s one that affects Maori no matter who you support politically and in my mind this is one of the types of issue where it is better to have an informed opinion and listen to all the views rather than pretend some views don’t exist by not attending,” she says.
Nanaia Mahuta says the Government may affect its prospects in any future court action by not attending, because it may be seen as not engaging seriously with Maori on water ownership issues.