Sharples Clarifies Asset Sales Policy

Co-leader of the Maori Party Pita Sharples has reiterated Maori Party policy on the proposed sale of asset sales.

“We do not support asset sales. I want to make that quite clear.

Dr Sharples also clarified comments about if asset sales were to proceed, what the proposed role of iwi should be.

“If privatisation of state owned assets occurs it must be managed in a manner that is consistent with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“I have said publicly that if Government was ever to be at the point of considering asset sales, then I would expect the first conversation about the process to be with iwi, as the Treaty partner”.

“While our party position is that we oppose the sales of assets, we are also placed with the responsibility of advancing the best position for our constituency - and unlike other parties - that means we need to listen and respond to the proposals our constituents put forward to parliament".

"If iwi decide accordingly, then our position is that the Maori Party will support iwi who wish to invest into state-owned assets as a means of retaining New Zealand ownership".