Government should shelve bill until Maori consulted says Turia

By RUTH BERRY political reporter

Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia says the Government should put the Supreme Court Bill on hold until Maori have been properly consulted and have given it their support.

She issued the challenge following what facilitators said was an overwhelming call at a national hui in Taupo yesterday for constitutional change to occur before the Privy Council was abolished.

Mrs Turia's stance is set to put more pressure on the Government, struggling to maintain its high levels of support within Maoridom.

The issue of consultation is particularly sensitive - with Mrs Turia challenging the Government to disprove claims it pays only lip service to Maori when it does consult.

The facilitators, who summarised the views of workshop participants, said the role of the Treaty of Waitangi and the need for it to be protected had to be at the heart of any constitutional debate.

The hui was called by the Law Commission, the Justice Ministry and Te Puni Kokiri to discuss the future shape of the court system in New Zealand.

Widespread support for an investigation into alternative justice systems which reflected Maori values was voiced.

The establishment of a Maori Law Commission was suggested as a way forward.

Attorney-General Margaret Wilson told the gathering it was their last opportunity to have an input into the development of the Supreme Court Bill, before a select committee report on it was finalised.

She reiterated her belief that establishing a final court of appeal in New Zealand would not affect the status of the treaty.

But facilitators said mistrust over the Government's agenda was clear and there was a strong view Maori had not been properly consulted over the plans.

Facilitator Moana Jackson said Maori were not interested in "tinkering" with a courts system which had always failed them and participants had made a "unanimous call for constitutional change".

Mrs Turia said the bill should go through the select committee process, but should also be considered by the proposed Maori Law Commission - which she believed the Government should set up immediately.

Proposals to extend the jurisdiction of the Maori Land Court beyond land drew a mixed reaction from the hui.