11 Feb 2012

Ngati Apa chair doubts rigour of consultations

10:31 pm on 11 February 2012

The chairperson of the Ngati Apa Runanga suspects the Government has already drawn up new legislation on the partial asset sales.

A series of iwi consultation hui are being held throughout the country.

The third, which drew more than 100 people, was held in Whanganui on Thursday 9 February.

The head of Ngati Apa, Adrian Rurawhe, says there is anxiety among Maori that treaty rights will be lost if a clause in the current State Owned Enterprises Act is not retained.

He questions why there is such a short time frame for submissions on the matter.

Mr Rurawhe says he worries this lack of time means the Government has already written up a new Act, and consultation will not make much difference.