The Prime Minister has acknowledged that the iwi leaders' group with which the Government is negotiating over the foreshore and seabed issue does not represent all Maori.
But John Key says the Iwi Leaders' Forum represents many Maori, whose economic base is growing dramatically.
Responding to criticism by Te Arawa activist Annette Sykes, who says the Government has failed to consult with a wide enough cross-section of Maoridom, Mr Key says that, as with Pakeha, it's difficult to find anyone who can speak for all Maori, and the Government is working to gain as much support as possible.
He says he accepts concerns that the forum is more representative of corporate Maori but nonetheless finds his discussions with it very useful as the Government continues its negotiations.
Maori Party 'acting as doorman' to group
Ms Sykes says the forum seems to be the only group the National Party is seeking opinion from, and moreover, she told Nine to Noon, "The Maori Party is acting as doorman to allow this group only to have this right of access. That is not tikanga."
She says the Maori Party has a mandate to make sure all Maori are properly represented in negotiations.
Ngapuhi chair Sonny Tau says the forum represents all 57 iwi and is the best group to represent Maori in negotations. Every member is an elected member of their iwi, he says.
Source: Radio New Zealand News
