Hon Shane Jones
Spokesperson for Treaty Settlements
6 December 2018
Ngā Rohe Moana O Ngā Hapū O Ngāti Porou Bill Passes Second Reading
New Zealand First has voted in favour of the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Bill, which passed its second
reading in Parliament today.
The Bill formalises the existing customary interests of Ngāti Porou in ngā rohe moana o ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou, however
Hon Shane Jones, New Zealand First Spokesperson for Treaty Settlements, said he was disappointed that not all hapū have
committed – something that New Zealand First wants rectified before the legislation can be passed into law.
“New Zealand First believes that the basis for Ngāti Porou’s claim to customary rights has been through a sound process,
and has confidence that the existing uses of all New Zealanders of the area subject to the settlement will be protected
and preserved,” says Shane Jones.
“The Bill does not vest ownership of the common marine and coastal area, public access is largely unaffected, and there
will be ministerial oversight of bylaws posed by Ngāti Porou in relation to the area.
“It is taxing of the Government and Parliament’s time when some hapū choose to slow the settlement process down, however
we recognise the importance of ensuring broad support for this legislation.”
“New Zealand First will seek to ensure that any serious reservations expressed by various submitters, are resolved
during the Committee of the Whole stage.”
ENDS