Māpuna for Saturday 7 December 2024

Dr Andrew Erueti examines customary marine title decision

This week the Supreme Court allowed the Attorney General to appeal a judgment which made it easier for Māori to gain customary title under the Marine and Coastal Area - Takutai Moana - Act of 2011. The legislation says common marine and coastal areas cannot be owned, and public fishing, navigation and access rights within this area are protected. But iwi, hapū and whānau groups can apply to have their customary rights recognised. Dr Andrew Erueti is an associate professor at Auckland University law school and has written extensively about Maori customary law.