Dissident MPs given more time to decide on foreshore

1.10pm

Three dissident Labour Maori MPs have been given until April 27 to make up their minds about the foreshore and seabed legislation, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Minister outside Cabinet Tariana Turia and backbencher Nanaia Mahuta went into this morning's caucus meeting determined to defy Prime Minister Helen Clark's call for them to make up their minds today.

They told their colleagues that they wouldn't do so until they had a chance to read the bill when it is tabled on Thursday.

Labour MPs are not set to meet again until April 27 after the Easter recess and Dr Cullen said the meeting had decided to give them more time.

"We have approval for introduction of the bill...a couple of colleagues said well, they hadn't actually seen the text of the bill. Nanaia and Tariana obviously have concerns about the policy issues," Dr Cullen said

"So what we have concluded is it is sensible for them to get the text of the bill...have some time to think about it, talk with colleagues and come back to caucus on April 27 to indicate what position they would like to take."

After that it would be up to caucus how it reacted if the two MPs decided to abstain or vote against the legislation.

"Nothing has gone wrong, people requested more time...you have to respect colleagues who want to make up their mind on the actual facts rather on the general matters they have seen so far," Dr Cullen said.

The policy would not be finalised until tomorrow morning and the bill itself not finished until later than that.

Miss Clark had been informed about caucus's decision and Dr Cullen hoped she would be satisfied.

"I would hope she would be happy...I think she will be satisfied," Dr Cullen said.

There had been no pressure on the MPs to make up their minds or support the bill and it was possible they could still be satisfied.

Wairarapa MP Georgina Beyer had also been asked to reconsider her decision to abstain against voting for the bill.

Dr Cullen played down suggestions that the two MPs thinking about voting against the bill could be preparing for a by-election and that pressure might go on other MPs to vote against the bill.

"She (Mrs Turia)...is not wanting to do anything which damages the Government, but she has some strong feelings and beliefs and I respect that."

Mrs Turia was still wanted by Labour, Dr Cullen said.

"Colleagues are valued and we want people to stay inside and not feel the need to move outside.

"We've had people crossing the floor before under this Government."

Caucus had done well to handle the disagreement in a seemly fashion.

Dr Cullen said it was possible that the April 27 meeting might not see a final decision but the two MPs would have to make up their minds by the time of the first reading in early May.

The Government does not need their votes as it has the confirmed support of United Future up to the select committee stages.

New Zealand First is also moving closer to giving its backing to the bill.

Dr Cullen praised NZ First leader Winston Peters for having a "constructive" attitude towards the issue.

"I think Mr Peters is trying to seek common ground. Where that will get to I don't know yet.

"He's been meeting with his caucus this morning. Obviously we'll have talks subsequently."

The Greens are unlikely to support the bill, but Dr Cullen said he was still talking to them.

- NZPA