Media statement
For immediate release

Monday, 23 June 2003

Dunne: Government should clarify seabed law

United Future would support any fast-track Government legislation to clarify the issues surrounding the ownership of New Zealand's foreshores and seabeds, according to party leader, Peter Dunne.

This follows the recent Appeal Court decision, which said Maori from the top of the South Island have the right to take their claim for ownership of Marlborough foreshore and seabed to the Maori Land Court.

"While I accept that all New Zealanders have the right to explore their legal rights through the courts, it seems unrealistic to me to expect the country to endure months or even years of uncertainty while lawyers argue about such a fundamental issue as ownership of our foreshores or seabeds.

"Access to these areas for commercial or recreational purposes are part of being a New Zealander and I call on the Government to clarify the law urgently to remove any uncertainty that has arisen," concluded Mr Dunne.

ends

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