In what is developing as a tit-for-tat spat, the attorney-general's office has hit back at the Act party's opposition to the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill.Act leader Rodney Hide has picked up the cause being championed by lobby group the Co
In what is developing as a tit-for-tat spat, the attorney-general’s office has hit back at the Act party’s opposition to the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Bill.
Act leader Rodney Hide has picked up the cause being championed by lobby group the Coastal Coalition opposing the bill which would allow secret deals between the Crown and iwi over customary title and control of the foreshore and seabed.
However, a PR man for Mr Finlayson (who was said to be unavailable to speak with NBR) said there was nothing unusual about the government recognising or transferring title or property rights without a new bill being introduced to Parliament.
“Examples include offers-back under the Public Works Act, the disposal of surplus Crown properties, the process for bringing land into ‘fee simple’ under the Land Transfer Act and settlements negotiated by Crown Law with third parties, among others,” spin doctor Ben Thomas said.
“It is not possible for a single minister to give effect to recognition of customary marine title. Any agreement must be approved by cabinet through an order in council.
“Furthermore, any applicant must meet the statutory requirement of proving exclusive use and occupation of the area being claimed since 1840 without substantial interruption.”
Now, new Act MP Hilary Calvert has sent out an email urging its recipients to pass it on to others and make oral submissions in order to slow the process down.
Submissions on the bill close on November 19.
Mr Hide told the National Business Review he would continue to fight the bill until it was dumped by the government.
“This bill would give control of the beaches and foreshore and seabed to tribes. It’s going to be of huge commercial value to iwi and has the potential to wreck New Zealand,” he said.
Mr Hide said he ranked highly his chances of having the bill dropped by the government.
“Iwi should have their day in court [with claims] not be involved in secret talks.”
