New Book Makes Sense of the Foreshore and Seabed

News Release
3 August 2004

New Book Makes Sense of the Foreshore and Seabed Debate

Making Sense of the Foreshore and Seabed by Tom Bennion, Malcolm Birdling and Rebecca Paton, published by The Maori Law Review, 2004

The Court of Appeal’s landmark “foreshore and seabed decision” sparked one of the biggest political and legal debates in New Zealand’s recent history.

In this introductory guide to the Court of Appeal’s decision, the Waitangi Tribunal’s report on the Government policy and the Foreshore and Seabed Bill, the editor and writers of The Maori Law Review have analysed and summarised the key legal issues at the centre of the debate.

Andrew Erueti, lecturer, law faculty of Victoria University of Wellington says:

“It's a very useful resource; explains the decision, the Bill and its human rights implications in objective, clear and accessible terms. It would be of great use to students, law practitioners and those who have a real interest in an issue of great constitutional moment.”

Making Sense of the Foreshore and Seabed critically examines aspects of the Bill and comments on many of the problems that are likely to arise with it. It sets out the situations where Courts might find Maori title to exist, and discusses the human rights implications of the proposed legislation.

The book also includes copies of the Ngati Apa case and the Bill, which is now before Select Committee.

The book would be useful for media, local government, and those who wish to learn more about the issue.

The book is a special publication of The Maori Law Review, which has commentated on Maori law in New Zealand for more than 10 years. It is priced at $33.50.

To order your copy: Email: rebecca@bennion.co.nz Mail: Orders, PO Box 23280, Cable Car Lane, Wellington Fax: 04 473 5751

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