Thanks to Mary Brook's for her letter (Sun 3/12) regarding the Foreshore and Seabed Bill and that her concerns have been addressed.
However, for me it changes nothing.
While National retains the right to negotiate directly and in private with Maori regarding Customary title there is no guarantee of any so called right of free public access being honoured. Also, the test for Customary title can be altered at will in the private negotiations. The advantages Maori have received by promising support to the National party include funding of Whanau Ora (originally for all needy families but now recognised as being for Maoris only) programmes for Maori prisoners, substantial benefits in Health and Education, special welfare provisions and the at home baby sitting service.
The special benefits Maori can receive is limited only by their imagination to present a reasonable case. If the need arises for even more benefits to Maori so that National can retain power do you think they will bail out? Sorry Mary history is against you. Surely you recall the comment 'You can never trust National”.
Stuart Keene, Cherrywood.