Wakapuaka Estuary decision
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