Iwi warning for Maori MPs

By RUTH BERRY, political reporter

Iwi have put the Government's Maori MPs on notice, saying they may lose their jobs if they cave in on foreshore and seabed claims.

Speaker after speaker at a 1000-strong national hui held in Paeroa said Maori MPs' support was crucial to iwi success on the issue and warned them not to hide behind the Government's skirts.

A declaration that organisers said was drawn up on behalf of the hapu and iwi of Aotearoa said: "We direct all Maori MPs to oppose any legislation which proposes to extinguish or redefine Maori customary title or rights."

A series of other principles reaffirmed iwi had non-negotiable "tupuna [ancestor] rights" in the foreshore and seabed and called on the Government to discuss its proposals with iwi immediately.

The intensity of feeling over the issue sparked emotional and confrontational debate, but those present were united in supporting the declaration organisers want to present to Prime Minister Helen Clark or her deputy Michael Cullen this week.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia and fellow MPs John Tamihere, Dover Samuels, Mita Ririnui, Dave Hereora and electorate MP Nanaia Mahuta attended the hui but, apart from Ms Mahuta, left after the powhiri saying it was not a meeting for MPs.

They were constantly ribbed during the welcome and although it was done gently, the message was serious.

One hui co-ordinator, Hauraki Maori Trust board spokesman John McEnteer, said the MPs were told "they will suffer the electoral consequences if they don't support us".

Some of the Maori MPs had been clear about their support for iwi and would probably cross the floor if the Government introduced any prejudicial legislation.

"Or they might take appropriate action and review their positions in the Labour Party."

But there were others such as Mr Tamihere whose "flipflopping" was angering iwi.

Te Arawa Trust Board chairman Arapeta Tahana said: "We're trying to send a message to our MPs and to their Labour Party - be very careful here. You might win this but you'll lose the Maori vote."

Iwi often felt they had no real control over the actions of the Maori MPs and wanted that changed.

Kahungunu leader Ngahiwi Tomoana said the seven Maori seats could be the difference between Labour winning or losing the next election and the MPs had to remember the power they held.

Activist Moana Jackson said the Government's handling of the issue raised serious constitutional issues.

Mr Horomia said yesterday the MPs would today meet Dr Cullen, who is heading the committee trying to resolve the issue, and he expected to be able to give a clearer steer on the Government's position later today.

Asked if the declaration - which at least some iwi not present at the meeting previously endorsed - could claim to represent all hapu and iwi, Mr Horomia said this had to be investigated.

Spokesmen for the two iwi groups spearheading the issue, Te Tau Ihu and Hauraki, made it clear they preferred a negotiated political settlement to pursuing the issue through the courts, and said they believed this should happen quickly.

Mr Horomia said iwi were divided on the speed with which the issue was tackled. Timing was a key issue and would be discussed today. The Government was keen to talk to iwi, he stressed.

Mr Horomia said at the weekend that customary rights would be protected by the Government, but would not give assurances on customary title. He said extremists on both sides should not be allowed to derail talks.

Declaration

The Paeroa declaration of principles, to be sent to Government on behalf of "the hapu and iwi of Aotearoa"

1. The foreshore and seabed belong to the hapu and iwi under our tino rangatiratanga.

2. We reaffirm our tupuna rights in the foreshore and seabed as whenua rangatira.

3. We direct all Maori MPs to oppose any legislation which proposes to extinguish or redefine Maori customary title or rights.

4. We support all hapu and iwi who wish to confirm their rights in the courts.

5. The Government must disclose its proposals to whanau, hapu and iwi immediately, whose decision to accept or reject will be final.

6. The final decision on the foreshore and seabed rests exclusively with whanau, hapu and iwi.

7. We accept the invitation of Te Tau Ihu to host the next hui.