Wakapuaka Estuary decision
The High Court's decision in the Wakapuaka Estuary (mudflats) case was released on December 21 2006. The High Court has
declined to overturn the decision of the Maori Land Court that the mudflats are Maori freehold land.
Duty Minister Trevor Mallard said careful consideration is being given to deciding whether or not to appeal the
decision. No decision will be made on this until the new year.
The mudflats case is unique because the judgment hinges upon a missing document and for that reason, it sets no
precedent for other foreshore and seabed disputes, Trevor Mallard said.
ENDS