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.

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