Deputy Prime Minister Bill English is playing down the fears of Maori Party MP Rahui Katene that new DNA sampling laws will bring young Maori into conflict with the police.
The Criminal Investigations Bodily Samples Amendment Act was passed under urgency on Wednesday with only the Maori Party and the Green Party voting against it. The legislation is to be phased in over the next two years.
Ms Katene says many young Maori will fight back if police demand a DNA sample from them.
Mr English says DNA sampling is a potent weapon in the fight against crime and the police are keen to expand its use.
He says any police power is accepted by the community if it is used widely and well, and it will be the same with DNA.
The new legislation allows police to collect DNA samples without court approval and before they lay charges.
Ms Katene says young people could be pulled over for minor infringements and forced to provide a DNA sample.
She says there is also concern the police will use the new law to target Maori.
Ms Katene says DNA is whakapapa and Maori do not want it stored or collected for one purpose then used for another.
Powers will 'solve more crimes'
Police forensic services manager Inspector John Walker says the wider powers of collection, giving police the power to collect DNA samples from people they have not yet charged and without approval from a judge, will help solve more crimes.
Initially police will be able to take samples in cases where they intend to charge people with minor offences such as peeping or peering into houses.
From 2011, that will be broadened to include offences punishable by imprisonment.
Mr Walker says there are thousands of DNA samples on the national database related to unsolved crimes and he now expects some will be solved.
He says samples will be destroyed in cases where someone is either not charged, or is acquitted.
Labour's Maori affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia says DNA sampling will protect Maori from bad courtroom practice and decisions.
Mr Horomia says many young Maori get poor service from legal aid lawyers and end up pleading guilty to crimes they have not committed.
