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The National Party on Race Relations and Immigration
National policy says the party “intends to devote fresh energy and leadership to advancing Treaty settlements, and aims to achieve just and durable settlements of all historic Treaty claims by 2014.”
"National will honour agreements negotiated in good faith by the Crown under the Foreshore and Seabed Act,” the party’s 08 policy says. However it was a strong opponent of the Act when it was passed. MP Gerry Brownlee said, “The National Party does not support this legislation, has not supported this legislation, and will not be supporting this legislation in the future... The legislation is racist”.
National’s policy says, “Linked to the settlement of historic Treaty claims is our policy on the Maori seats. At the conclusion of the settlement of historic Treaty claims [2014], National will begin a constitutional process to abolish the Maori seats. National wishes to see all New Zealanders on the same electoral roll.” However during the 2008 campaign leader John Key said it wasn’t a bottom-line policy for his party.
According to the party, “National is currently finalising its immigration policy and will be releasing it in due course. We have 3 overriding objectives: 1. To stem the exodus and attract Kiwis back to New Zealand. 2. Better match the skills of immigrants with the employment needs of our economy. 3. Make our Immigration Services world class in their efficiency and effectiveness, and restore confidence in the integrity of Immigration New Zealand.”