Disappointment Over Marine And Coastal Area Bill

Ngāi Tahu is disappointed that the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill has passed into law today, says Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon

Ngāi Tahu had hoped that removing the Foreshore and Seabed Act from New Zealand's law books would be a national celebration marking a consensus being reached amongst the people of New Zealand about a fair and just replacement.

"The new Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill is not the fair and just solution we hoped for and it is a solemn day for us. While the Bill may look different in places, it will not make practical differences for Iwi or the nation. This Bill screws the scrum for Iwi because the tests for rights recognition are near impossible for most Iwi to meet. For the whole nation, this Bill will not improve how our coastal marine area is safe guarded for future generations.

"We commend those who attempted to change the government’s mind even at the last hour. Together we will endure. This is not the end but merely part of the journey. We stand with you in spirit even though our resources must now be directed to the care of our people in Christchurch. Te Kerēme, the Ngāi Tahu claim, took seven generations to resolve and this issue is no less important to Ngāi Tahu."

Ngāi Tahu, through the Treaty Tribes Coalition, led the international advocacy work that resulted in the United Nations repeatedly finding that the Foreshore and Seabed Act breached international law by discriminating against Māori.

ENDS

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