10 Sep 2010

Maori Party 'silence' on offshore drilling challenged

6:01 pm on 10 September 2010

A negotiator for the eastern Bay of Plenty iwi Te Whanau a Apanui has challenged the Maori Party to back people who oppose the Government's offshore oil drilling agenda.

In an open letter, Dayle Takitimu told the party that it owes its existence to Maori concerns over the foreshore and seabed issue, and that the granting of prospecting licences is a threat to the livelihoods of Maori throughout the country.

Ms Takitimu told Waatea News that the party has been silent at a time Maoridom needs it most.

The Government is promoting a myth that mining and drilling will create an economic recovery, she says, when any short-term gains will be at the expense of future generations.