“…The Maori Party is accusing Prime Minister John Key of inflaming a row over Maori water claims – after the Waitangi Tribunal heard his comments could spark “race riots”.
Likening the row to the divisive foreshore and seabed debate, Maori Party co-leaders Pita Sharples and Tariana Turia yesterday said Mr Key’s comment that the Government might choose to ignore the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal over water rights was “an insult to all of us”.
Dr Sharples said he was seeking an urgent meeting with Mr Key to discuss his comments – and acknowledged it had inflamed emotions over the issue.
“I was in Whangarei … and all the Maori there signalled to me they were very, very unhappy with that comment.”
He said it was too soon to talk about walking away from the Maori Party’s deal with the Government – and suggested Mr Key had simply “lashed out” because the Government was under pressure over asset sales.
But Mr Key yesterday reiterated his view that Maori do not have ownership over water –
- and also suggested the case taken by the Maori Council to the tribunal came down to money…”
(cont..)
go to source/story>>>
