'Sensible' to delay partial sale of assets

The recommendation that the Government delays the partial sale of state assets is being seen as sensible.

The Waitangi Tribunal wants sales stopped until it releases fuller findings into the Maori Council's water rights claim in September.

East Harbour Energy consultancy director Brian Cox presented a report to the Tribunal about the claim.

He says the evidence presented at the hearing shows there are major issues that need to be addressed.

"I think it's very sensible that the Tribunal take considered time to look at those questions and not feel rushed by the Crown to make a quick decision."

Mr Cox says serious questions have been avoided for many years and it's time they got proper consideration.

Auckland University history professor Dr Paul Moon says the Government will listen, but there's a big difference between that and acting.

"The Prime Minister's already made it fairly clear that it's the Government's intention to proceed with the sale so the Tribunal can effectively recommend what it sees to be the best course of action, but the Government is well within its rights to ignore that."

Dr Moon says the Government may eventually make some concessions to customary rights, which could grant some hapu or iwi exclusive access to certain parts of rivers.

Photo: NZ Herald