/* Written 8:41 pm Nov 24, 1992 by econet@igc.apc.org in igc:en.alerts */
/* ---------- "New Zealand: Maori Fishing Rights" ---------- */
New Zealand Government Legislates To Extinguish Maori Fishing Rights
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The New Zealand Government is currently enacting legislation to
extinguish Maori rights in fishing. The rights in question are
guaranteed in perpetuity to Maori within the New Zealand
constitution, i.e. the Treaty of Waitangi signed in 1840 between
the British Crown and Maori tribes.
In order to achieve this, the Government is creating an arbitrary
distinction between Maori customary and commercial rights and
intends to extinguish the commercial component by legislation. This
legislation will discriminate exclusively against Maori on the basis
of their race.
We urge you to speak and write to the New Zealand Government
expressing outrage and concern as this act contravenes the United
Nations Charter on Human Rights
Signed for and on behalf of Rongomaiwahine tribe
By: Pauline E. Tangiora (Vice-Chairperson and Trustee Te
Whanau-o-Rongomaiwahine Trust) P.O. Box 33, Mahia, Aotearoa -
New Zealand
By: Mana Manuera Cracknell (Chairperson Fishing Committee and
Trustee) 7 Denholm Road, Napier, Aotearoa - New Zealand
Please send your letters to:
The Right Honorable James Bolger (Prime Minister)
Parliament Building
Wellington
New Zealand
The Honorable Doug Graham (Minister of Justice)
Parliament Building
Wellington
New Zealand