Does the government's late share offer to Maori smack of desperation?
An offer has been made to Maori who have not settled their treaty claim, including 65 iwi. Up to 12.5 percent of their future settlement can be cashed in for shares, with a total value of $145 million.
The government's asset sales plan has been somewhat hampered by the intervention of Maori, beginning with an initial claim to the Waitangi Tribunal for the mana of water - water which is used in the generation of power by some state-owned enterprises up for sale.
Some have now scoffed at the offer, with MANA Party MP Hone Harawira calling it an insult.
“They're offering iwi a second-class deal if they'll shut up and go away,” he said.
Is the government simply trying anything and everything to get the asset sales over the line?
AUDIO: Bill English explains the offer to Marcus Lush