January 26, 2023
Luxon co-governance attack defended
A National Party candidate is defending leader Chris Luxon from criticism of his attack on co-governance at Ratana.
Greens co-leader Marama Davidson says Mr Luxon trampled all over the articles of te Tiriti with his speech ruling out Maori being involved in any partnership to do with public services like health, education, justice, and water infrastructure.
Dale Stephens, who’s standing in Christchurch Central, says that view is misplaced.
“The whole day has been presented as the start of the political year and in fact Rahui Papa, who spoke first, very clearly was one of a number of people who were discussing co-governance and what was National’s view on it so I think for Chris to repoly was appropriate because the take was put down,” he says.
Dale Stephens says what’s called co-governance in National’s treaty settlemens is actually co-management of specific areas, and National is comfortable with that,