Bishops urge a return to square one on seabed bill

By HELEN TUNNAH

Catholic and Anglican bishops have united in calling on the Government to enter an "honest" dialogue with Maori over the seabed and foreshore legislation.

In a joint statement, the bishops repeated urgings that the proposed law not be passed because of the "overwhelming" opposition of Maori.

They said the Treaty of Waitangi was fundamental to the well-being of New Zealand.

That was harmed when legislation appeared to over-ride Maori rights and interests.

The special select committee considered the Foreshore and Seabed Bill is due to report to Parliament by the end of next week.

But its members are divided, and the committee may not even be able to find enough united voices to agree on a report that can make recommendations to Parliament.

Government coalition partner the Progressives, which has two MPs, is also reconsidering its position on the bill as the concept of the Crown holding parts of the seabed and foreshore in trust, rather than full ownership, is debated.

The new law prevents Maori claiming freehold title over the seabed and foreshore, as a Court of Appeal ruling last year said they were entitled to do.

Labour has the support of New Zealand First at the moment, but for Crown ownership proposals.

The statement by the Catholic and Anglican bishops follows Maori Anglican bishops suggesting this year that the legislation threatened racial peace in New Zealand.

Churches were among the thousands of individuals and groups who made submissions to the select committee about the law, and the bishops said yesterday that there was a "remarkable unity of concern" among churches.

The Government and other political parties should carefully consider the principles at stake, they said.

"The Crown is required by the Treaty of Waitangi to act in good faith towards Maori, which must mean honest dialogue with Maori when their rights to property are at stake."

The churches are calling for fixed positions on the issue to be put aside in the belief that "a mutually agreed solution can be negotiated".

For that to happen, the bishops said, there would need to be a willingness to enter a longer and more open consultation with Maori.