I did not see this one coming.
Labour's about turn on controversial act
Foreshore and seabed rights pushed
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The architect of the act, former finance and Treaty negotiations minister Michael Cullen, said yesterday he now believed Maori should be able to seek customary title to the foreshore and seabed.
Dr Cullen, who was in charge of the legislation when it went through Parliament, said it was the best solution possible at the time. He told reporters yesterday that the act was a product of the prevailing political climate when National was "playing the race card at every opportunity".
"We responded with the best solution possible at the time, but I have always regretted the fact that National and other parties refused to enter into proper discussions on this issue so that a broad political consensus could be reached."
"As a result, compromises were required. The review provides a chance to revisit the Act and Labour won't use the issue as a political football."
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What a time to find the courage of our convinctions. Better late than never, hmm?
It'll be intriguing to see how the party leadership tries to spin this - it's going to be very difficult to come out of it without egg on our faces.
Foreshore and seabed rights pushed
-----
The architect of the act, former finance and Treaty negotiations minister Michael Cullen, said yesterday he now believed Maori should be able to seek customary title to the foreshore and seabed.
Dr Cullen, who was in charge of the legislation when it went through Parliament, said it was the best solution possible at the time. He told reporters yesterday that the act was a product of the prevailing political climate when National was "playing the race card at every opportunity".
"We responded with the best solution possible at the time, but I have always regretted the fact that National and other parties refused to enter into proper discussions on this issue so that a broad political consensus could be reached."
"As a result, compromises were required. The review provides a chance to revisit the Act and Labour won't use the issue as a political football."
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What a time to find the courage of our convinctions. Better late than never, hmm?
It'll be intriguing to see how the party leadership tries to spin this - it's going to be very difficult to come out of it without egg on our faces.