Repeal one step closer to a reality

Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia says the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act is one step closer to a reality.

"We welcome the Government's commitment to repeal the act – hopefully this will bring an end to the mamae, hurt and injustices our people have had to endure,” she said.

“Today our people and this nation begin a new process as we consider options the Government sees as the way forward.

“I encourage our people, who might be struggling with those proposals, to seek guidance from their hapu, to return home to those hapu who have for generation after generation cared for te takutai moana on behalf of us all.”

Mrs Turia said the Government’s discussion document released today laid out two issues – restoration of property rights and access to justice – that sit behind the party’s commitment for repeal.

“This issue was never about stopping public access to beaches, it was about an act that denied Maori, who never relinquished their kaitiakitanga and rangatiratanga over the foreshore and seabed, access to justice – the right to go to court to have their claims heard.

“Our priority is repeal – we promised our people we’d get it so that’s our main objective. Beyond repeal is to get the best deal for our mokopuna,” Mrs Turia said.

ENDS

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