October 29, 2013
MP gives National credit for Maori economy
National Party list MP Claudette Hauti says the National Government is growing the Maori economy.
Ms Hauti says Hone Harawira's Mana Party is being short-sighted with its opposition to supporting National – something that stands in the way of it folding back in to the maori Party.
She says the growth of the Maori economy to an estimated $38 billion is due in large part to the treaty settlements achieved by Sir Douglas Graham and curent Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson.
"Thirty seven percent of New Zealand's fish quota, that's what Maori own, thanks to the treaty settlements. Thirty six percent of forestry assets are in Maori hands, and that's thanks to the National Government. Twelve percent of sheep and beef units, 10 percent of dairy production, that's in Maori hands and that's thanks to this National Government under Finlayson," Ms Hauti says.
She does not believe the latest settlement, the deal with Ngai Tuhoe that creates a separate legal entity for Te Urewera National Park lands, could have happened under a Labour Government.
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