Ngati Whatua Endorses Iwi Principles To Deal With Foreshore And Seabed Issue
Ngati Whatua has given its support to 13 key principles that could form the basis of negotiations with the government
over the foreshore and seabed issue.
Spokesperson Tom Parore says Ngati Whatua endorsed the key principles outlined in the discussion framework released by
Te Ope Mana a Tai at a tribal hui at Reweti Marae last week.
“There was a general consensus from Ngati Whatua that these principles are a good foundation to begin dialogue with the
government. We think it is important for Iwi to reach some kind of common agreement on how best to resolve this issue.”
The discussion document released by Te Ope Mana a Tai gives a much broader interpretation of Maori customary rights than
the government’s proposal. It says that customary rights in respect of the coastal marine environment include the right
to own, control, regulate, develop, use and access the coastal marine area for any number of activities both of a
commercial and non-commercial nature.
The 13 principles also advocate for the recognition, protection and enhancement of Iwi customary rights in all
legislation and policies that impact on the coastal marine environment.
Tom Parore says Iwi from Te Tai Tokerau which includes all tribes from Auckland to Cape Reinga will be meeting this
Saturday to consider the foreshore and seabed issue.
The discussion document and the 13 principles will be the focus of a national hui that will be held in Blenheim on the
29-30 August. Te Ope Mana a Tai is being led by the eight iwi of the South Island who won in the Court of Appeal early
this year.