Ministers brace for hui confrontation

By RUTH BERRY, political reporter

Government ministers and MPs are bracing themselves for a confrontation in Taupo today over their stance on the foreshore and seabed.

Several senior ministers and a swag of MPs are attending t a national hui to discuss the future structure of the courts, including the proposed Supreme Court.

But three hours have been set aside tonight to discuss the foreshore and seabed issue, as organisers believe it could otherwise hijack the hui, almost called off for that reason.

Waitangi Fisheries Commission chairman Shane Jones said yesterday "there is no doubt they [Government MPs] will be challenged" on the issue.

Labour's Maori MPs attended the fiery Paeroa hui last weekend, but left before debate took place.

Today will be the first opportunity for the heat to be put on face to face.

Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia would not say whether the Government would clarify its position on the issue.

"Let's see tomorrow," he said. "There will be a discussion."

However Attorney-General Margaret Wilson said she did not plan to shed light on the situation.

"I'm here to listen, just that at the moment."

The Government said this week it would announce its foreshore and seabed proposals within two weeks.

About 200 people attended yesterday's welcome, but more are expected to arrive today.

Another key issue on the agenda is a proposal to extend the jurisdiction of the Maori Land Court.

Under such a plan the court would acquire powers to get involved in disputes over issues such as tribal mandate and governance, which are increasing as a result of treaty settlements.

Its powers are now restricted to land disputes and ownership issues.

Margaret Wilson said it was an important issue but she had, as yet, no fixed view on the subject.

Mr Horomia said the court had an important role to play in the future and "I think we should strengthen that".

Mr Jones believed the court should be given powers to deal with settlement disputes, but did not support other proposals to give it jurisdiction over family matters.

Mr Horomia said that issue should be considered, although resourcing and workload could be a barrier.

He reiterated his support for the proposed Supreme Court.