PM to Maori rebels: I'm calling shots

By RUTH BERRY and HELEN TUNNAH

Prime Minister Helen Clark declared last night that she will brook no dissent from Maori MPs on the Government's seabed and foreshore policy.

In a clear message to her upset Maori caucus, Helen Clark insisted that she alone made the decisions on Cabinet responsibilities.

"My message to my colleagues is if you want to get on board for the ride, get on, because this train is moving."

The Government's 10 Maori MPs yesterday gave senior ministers warning that any significant retreat on Maori policies could result in a bloc vote against its foreshore policy.

They were also understood to be upset at Trevor Mallard's appointment as Minister responsible for Race Relations, without the Maori caucus being consulted.

As well, outspoken Associate Maori Affairs Minister Tariana Turia this week called for the Government to show leadership in the face of National Party leader Don Brash's rise in the polls, prompted by his landmark "one rule" speech at Orewa last month.

She has already said she will abstain on the seabed and foreshore legislation, but yesterday went a step further by saying: "This was just the beginning point".

Although Helen Clark did not name any errant MPs last night, she replied to a question about Mrs Turia's position by saying she (the PM) would provide the leadership on the controversial legislation.

"With respect to who appoints who to what job, one of the prerogatives I have as Prime Minister is I decide what the portfolios are, and I allocate them, and I will make this judgment.

"I judge that the present situation requires leadership and I will give it," she told Face to Face with Kim Hill on TVOne.

The Maori MPs are being told the apparent retreat is largely tactical, giving the Government time to plan its offensive against National.

But they are still wary.

Despite assurances from Helen Clark and Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen yesterday that the substance of the foreshore policy remains unchanged, at least some of the MPs are unconvinced.

Importantly, they also know their votes on the legislation - already unpopular with many Maori constituents - could be used as a bargaining chip to prevent backtracking on other fronts.

Previously only Mrs Turia and Nanaia Mahuta refused to confirm their support for the foreshore legislation.

Yesterday, Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia refused to say whether all Maori MPs would support the legislation.

"We will collectively do the best thing for our party and for our constituents."

Fellow MP Georgina Beyer said she could not guarantee her support for the legislation if it was altered.

"From my perspective, all bets are off because of the confusion."

She and other Maori MPs said there was "renewed solidarity" among the 10 MPs, who make up a fifth of the Labour caucus but have struggled to operate as a bloc.

Mr Horomia led the charge yesterday by reaching a deal ensuring the Maori MPs would take an active role in the review of Maori policy and treaty references in legislation.


But some Beehive sources said the widespread confusion - even among Government MPs - was the result of heavy gear-shifting rather than a big change of direction.

Dr Cullen said he was "immensely confident" the review of programmes aimed at Maori would prove they were needs-based.

He indicated that the Crown's role as administrator and regulator of the foreshore and seabed was likely to be made more explicit to clear up misplaced public fears.

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