Cullens bluster hides his former role as Attorney-General

Michael Cullen’s claims that I should be responsible for Foreshore and Seabed issues is a bit rich, coming from the man who led the confiscation after his Labour government humiliated their own Maori caucus, said Minister of Maori Affairs Dr Pita Sharples.

“Dr Cullen should ask himself why Parekura Horomia was not asking his questions today. Who is Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson? Where is Parekura?” asked Dr Sharples.

“The Foreshore and Seabed Act was a disaster created by Dr Cullen as Attorney-General under Labour. Fortunately the National Party has a very competent Attorney General who has been asked to clear up Dr Cullen’s mess,” said Dr Sharples.

“The Relationship and Confidence and Supply Agreement between the Maori Party and National promised a review of the Act, and we are keeping our word,” he said.

“As a support party to the National-led government, the Maori Party takes a vital interest in the review of the Act, has made many statements on the matter, and the party’s spokesperson Rahui Katene has had discussions with Attorney-General Chris Finlayson over the terms of reference and the appointment of members. I too have been part of those discussions,” he said.

“None of that makes me, as Minister of Maori Affairs, the Minister responsible for the review. As Dr Cullen knows, Ministers answer Parliamentary questions on matters for which they are responsible.

“To be accused by Dr Cullen of ‘hiding’ or ‘dodging questions’ is a joke, because his questions were ruled out of order before I could answer. The same goes for the Green Party, which claims I have been silenced, because their questions were misdirected.

“My track record supporting Maori is clear for all to see – as is the distinction between my roles as Maori Party co-leader and Minister of Maori Affairs.

“Dr Cullen’s blustering obfuscation in Parliament might be designed to distract attention from the record of his government, whose duty to protect Maori interests was overridden by Dr Cullen’s Act.

“In contrast, he will find this government seeking the restoration of mana, and the protection of public access to beaches. I support my colleague the Attorney-General, because I have confidence that due process will deliver a better outcome than the political meddling that created this mess.

“The proposed changes to the RMA that the Green Party are worried about are yet to go through the Select Committee process. I will continue to act in the interests of tangata whenua,” added Dr Sharples.