Retention of Maori seats a priority, says party

The Maori Party has left National in no doubt that the retention of the Maori seats in Parliament is the bottom line for any coalition deal. National has signalled it wants to abolish the seats.

The Maori Party today released a policy priority statement saying the seats will stay as long as Maori want them to and that they want them entrenched. Entrenchment means that it would take 75 per cent of Parliament to vote for their abolition.

The Maori Party wants the billion dollar spending cap on Treaty settlements to be abolished and the Foreshore and Seabed Act scrapped.

It also wants compulsory heritage studies to be taught in schools and immigrants to complete a course in the history of the country.

National seems prepared to possibly remove the fiscal cap on Treaty settlements. Leader John Key says it is important there is enough money to make sure claims are settled on a relatively fair basis.

Mr Key says his understanding is possible to achieve the bulk of settlements without going beyond the cap, but it is something National would have to look at.

- NEWSTALK ZB