Tamihere blasts 'born-again horis', rebel MPs

By HELEN TUNNAH deputy political editor

Associate Maori Affairs Minister John Tamihere has delivered a stinging rebuke over "born-again horis" and reminded wavering Labour MPs they are not protesters but are part of the Government.

Mr Tamihere used a speech in Parliament yesterday to predict that the Government's seabed and foreshore legislation, to be tabled today, would upset Maori activists such as Ken Mair and Titewhai Harawira, and the National Party, but "to hell with them".

He reminded the Maori sovereignty movement that Parliament was sovereign and would make the rules.

And he later told the Herald it was time the Labour MPs thinking of joining National in voting against the legislation, Nanaia Mahuta and Tariana Turia, accepted the realities of politics.

Mr Tamihere, flanked by other members of Labour's Maori caucus, attacked critics in Maoridom who are urging Labour MPs to vote against the seabed and foreshore legislation.

He said they were asking MPs to vote with National and its leader, Don Brash, and should remember that Maori interests and race relations were best served under a Labour-led Government.

"When the bill is tabled in this House ... for the very first time on a very complex issue we will have one of the best results for every Kiwi in this country.

"It will not please Gerry Brownlee; it will not please Don Brash; it will not please Titewhai Harawira; it will not please Ken Mair.

"But to hell with them. We're putting something on the table for the benefit of all Kiwis."

Mr Tamihere said it was not up to him to tell Maori electorate MPs Mrs Turia and Ms Mahuta how to vote, but people had the choice of supporting the Government or not.

"People better start waking up and smelling the coffee over political realities ... you're no longer in the protest movement. Wake up - you're part of the Government."

He said MPs could not just "pander" to some of their constituents.

"Underneath them are tens of thousands of little Maori people who want a fair result. They're not chequebook horis; they're not born-again horis.

"They're out there struggling like all other Kiwis to just make a go of it, and they want a fair result here. We'll put it on the table and we'll have the discussion with them."

Mr Tamihere said he had a message for the Tino Rangitiratanga sovereignty movement: "The sovereignty of this Parliament is what underpins everything about this country."

He later told the Herald that people wanting Maori MPs to cross the floor should study the legislation and offer suggestions.