Geneva trip part of tradition

20 July 2007

Indigenous rights lawyer Moana Jackson says his forthcoming trip to Geneva is in line with a long Maori tradition.

Mr Jackson hopes to present a report to the United Nations committee on racial discrimination in a fortnight.

The committee has asked for updates from the Government and from Maori about what has happened in the three years since the passing of ther Foreshore and Seabed Act.

Mr Jackson says since 1840 Maori have a tradition of looking for suitable places to present their take or issues.

"Our ancestors tried to meet with the King and Queen in England in the 1920s. People from here travelled to Geneva to the League of Nations, which was the forerunner of the United Nations. And so when our people now go to the UN and to many other indigenous or international forums, we’re really I think maintaining that tradition," Mr Jackson says.

He says Maori have been extremely patient with the government, despite its unwillingness to respond to their concerns.

Radio Waatea News Update