More than four years of litigation and now some east coast iwi and hapū have customary marine title over the Takutai Moana boundary in Ōpōtiki. Māori rights and interest in the foreshore and seabed have been recognised in a judgment in the Whakatōhea high court case released. "Hapū MACA [Marine and Coastal Area] applicants are ecstatic at the high court judgement released on Friday in relation to their seeking a customary marine title over the Takutai Moana boundary in Ōpōtiki," said Te Ringahuia Hata, who gave evidence for both Ngāti Ira and Ngāti Patumoana peoples. Māori Party co-leader Debbie Ngārewa-Packer said the party applauded the decision. “We applaud the Whakatōhea High Court case that has now set a precedent for Māori rights and interest in their foreshore and seabed.

Source: Stuff May 10, 2021 02:48 UTC