Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua is taking the Government to court over its plan to amend the Marine and Coastal Area Act, a move it says will make it harder for Māori to get customary rights recognised over the foreshore and seabed
Last week, Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith announced the Bill would overturn a recent Court of Appeal decision the Government believed significantly lowered the threshold for customary marine title.
In a statement, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua co-chairs Rev John Marsden and Dame Rangimarie Naida Glavish said that decision was "grossly unfair" and could significantly affect their existing claims over the Whangārei Harbour and the Whangārei coast.
Bill would overturn a recent Court of Appeal decision the Government believed significantly lowered the threshold for customary marine title. (Source: 1News)
Even if their claims are successful in the High Court, these decisions would be overturned if the Bill passes.
"These cases will need to be re-heard under the amended Marine and Coastal Area Act, which will impose a tougher test for customary marine title," they said.
The rūnanga has filed legal proceedings at the High Court against the Government alleging breaches to the Bill of Rights Act.
1News understands the case has been set down for after October 1.
“We have been offered a consultation period, but all the key decisions have already been made by the Government," they said.
"We were given three weeks, which is insufficient time to get input from our beneficiaries, marae and post-settlement government entities."
The rūnanga is inviting others to join its legal fight.
"The government’s egregious conduct is an attack not only on Ngāti Whātua but te tino rangatiratanga of all iwi."
Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith has been approached for comment.
SHARE ME