NRC want iwi/hapu to control the coastal area

Submission to a Bill amending the Marine and Coastal Area Act have now closed. In its submission, the  Northland Regional Council (NRC) said it opposed the changes that would reaffirm Palriaments intention when the Act was passed in 2012, and prevent the courts "reinterpreted" purpose of the Act which substantially lowered the test for granting Customary Marine Title (CMT) from becoming a precedent for the hundreds of claims that have yet to be heard. 

They NRC says:

“The Bill would severely limit the CMT regime…as a result of the amended tests for exclusive use and occupation and the definition of substantial interruption – these in combination set an unfeasible bar for most applications to succeed.”

Taxpayers pay huge legal bill for iwi/hapu claims to Whangarei harbour

The second stage of the Māori claim for ownership of the Whangarei Coast is expected to cost taxpayers many millions of dollars in legal costs, and this is just one of 203 claims before the High Court. The hearing is scheduled to start on the 22nd of July. (The first stage for the Whangarei Harbour only, is currently being heard by the High Court in Whangarei.)

Under the Takutai Moana Financial Assistance Scheme introduced by the John Key National Government, iwi and hapu making claims for customary marine title of the foreshore and seabed may have their legal costs reimbursed by taxpayers. 

Ownership of Whangarei Harbour goes to Court

On the 12th of February, the Whangarei High Court will hear applications from no fewer than 15 Māori groups who are seeking orders recognising Customary Marine Title and Protected Customary Rights to the Whangarei Harbour and coastal areas extending North to Bream Head and South to Bream Tail, including the Hen and Chickens Islands.