9 Feb 2011

Iwi leaders look to take advantage of state asset sell-off

5:57 am on 9 February 2011

Maori leaders are working behind the scenes to ensure they get a stake in any state-owned assets that are privatised.

The Prime Minister has suggested selling off part of Mighty River Power, Meridian, Genesis and Solid Energy and selling more Air New Zealand shares.

Iwi leaders say Maori must be involved in such deals, if they go ahead.

One idea is to merge tribal and other Maori organisations into a consortium with far more money to buy shares than individual iwi would have.

Another proposal is for iwi with unresolved Treaty settlements to receive shares as part of their settlement.

Tribal leaders say their plans would ensure privatised assets remain in New Zealand.