National and the Maori Party have reached a historic foreshore and seabed agreement.The Maori Party and iwi leaders held an urgent meeting with Prime Minister John Key this morning in a last-ditch attempt to bridge the gap in their stance on the future of
National and the Maori Party have reached a historic foreshore and seabed agreement.
The Maori Party and iwi leaders held an urgent meeting with Prime Minister John Key this morning in a last-ditch attempt to bridge the gap in their stance on the future of foreshore and seabed ownership.
Mr Key said following National's Cabinet meeting today that the parties had managed to reach an outcome agreeable to both parties which will involve repealing the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004.
The agreement means the foreshore and seabed will remain a "public domain", although that term could be changed.
Existing freehold titles will continue but Maori will retain a right to seek customary title either through direct negotiations with the Crown or through court processes.
As it stands under the current Act, foreshore and seabed is in Crown ownership.
Mr Key said he hoped a new Act would be in place by the end of the year.
