WHEN IS A DEAL NOT A DEAL?

WHEN IS A DEAL NOT A DEAL?
WHEN IT’S A TREATY SETTLEMENT WITH MĀORI.

In 1992, Jim Bolger’s National Government signed the Sealord Deal – a full and final Treaty Settlement returning and guaranteeing fisheries rights to Māori.

Today, a different National Government is reneging on that deal by confiscating the rights of Māori (and all New Zealanders) to undertake sustainable fishing in the Kermadec region, forever. Māori exercise conservation in the Kermadec region. We have taken measures to protect the biodiversity. Yet, we are being punished.

Environment Minister Nick Smith does not consider the Government needs to honour the agreements made only a generation earlier. Our country can and should have both – protection of biodiversity and full, final and durable Treaty Settlements.

Don’t let the government renege on its promises. Treaty Settlements must be upheld for the honour of all New Zealanders – Māori and Pākehā.

Tell MPs to vote ‘No’ to a Kermadec OceanSanctuary Bill that doesn’t recognise the Treaty Settlement.

teohu.maori.nz/kermadec
Image: Government Ministers and Māori Negotiators sign the 1992
Deed of Settlement. Photo: Fairfax Media NZ