Maori Party Criticises Nz Rejection Of Indigenous People Clause  2008-12-11

The Maori Party has condemned New Zealand's position at United Nations climate talks in Poland which saw a reference to indigenous people's rights regarding forests deleted from an agreement. New Zealand, supported by the US, Australia and Canada, insisted the text delete a draft reference to the native people' rights, but the agreement did guarantee a voice for native peoples who live in forests.

Environmentalists said the compromise text was a positive step, and cleared the way to discuss politically sensitive questions on how countries will be compensated for protecting their woodlands.

But the indigenous people issue prompted noisy demonstrations. Representatives from northern Canada to Borneo and the Amazon demanded recognition of their land rights and formal status as an "expert group" at the talks. Maori MP Hone Harawira raised the issue in Parliament today, saying it was a matter of "grave concern".

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