Brownlee useless on treaty, says Peters

Winston Peters

Winston Peters has launched a personal attack on National deputy leader Gerry Brownlee as the New Zealand First leader attempts to distinguish his treaty policy from National's.

Mr Peters, who has nevertheless consistently criticised National for stealing his own treaty and Maori affairs policies, described Mr Brownlee as "quite possibly the most ineffective and ill-informed spokesperson on these issues National has ever had".

"It is like asking a kindergarten teacher to explain algebra - he just gets that mystified look about him and starts to yell and scream nonsense in frustration. The job is clearly beyond him.

"Labour's many conflicting agendas on this issue ensure there is no coherency to their collective views."

NZ First was the only party which believed the words of the Treaty of Waitangi stood "just as they are".

Labour was intent on adding ill-conceived principles it could not define, while National just wanted to abolish all things Maori, he said.

NZ First believed Maori culture and language should be preserved - but did not agree with government services being based on race not need.

Mr Brownlee downplayed the attack on himself, but launched one back.

"What we remind ourselves of is that Winston on treaty issues is basically a wolf in sheep's clothing.

"He was the guy who got sacked from National for his appalling policy called Ka Awatea, which was in favour of Maori separatism.

"We are not too worried about his attacks. We know that essentially if something is going to be done about the excesses of the treaty in law ... it will be a National Government that does it."