September 15, 2016
Flavell positive on fresh Kermedecs talks
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell says the door is open for more talks on the Kermadec Ocean Sanctuary.
The Maori Party yesterday pulled its support for the bill after Environment Minster Nick Smith rejected a compromised proposed by Te Ohu Kaimona that would have allowed iwi to retain their so far under-used rights to fish in the area.
ACT also said it opposed the confiscation of property rights from quota owners, meaning National would need the Greens to get the bill passed.
Mr Flavell says a solution is still possible.
"We managed to pull it all around the corner and talk to the Prime Minister to get a view to put it on hold until such time proper consultation had taken place and we could negotiate a way through some of the sticky parts. He agreed to that and we are in a good space right now and all because i suppose of our leverage to get that change," he says.
Te Ohu Kaimona and iwi have been talking to the Government for a year about their concerns, but ministers refused to back off their no-take stance.
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