Govt optimistic of iwi interest in shares

The Government's optimistic Maori will buy into state asset shares.

It's proposing shares in partially floated SOE's be available to iwi as part of Treaty settlements.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson believes a number of iwi will be interested in acquiring shares.

"Take for example last year, and I was negotiating a settlement with Ngati Raukawa, they were very interested in purchasing MRP shares."

Mr Finlayson says Tuhoe, Tuwharetoa, and Wanganui iwi would also likely be interested.

A bribe is New Zealand First's take on the Government's proposal to offer state asset shares in Treaty settlements.

New Zealand First leader Winston Peters is dismissive of the proposal saying it's an attempt to buy off Maori and divide them.

"Split up their objections to acting against the government in a court action which they are seeking to bring now. Divide and rule is the name of that game."