What’s at stake? Whether the amended customary marine title test delivers an enduring balance between public, private and tangata whenua interests, without adding time and cost for groups sent back to court.
Background Ruapuke whānau first secured a High Court win in August 2025, then returned under the Marine and Coastal Area Takutai Moana Amendment Act for the Court to reassess the evidence.
Main players Ruapuke Island Group whānau, the High Court led by Justice Churchman, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa, and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.
Ruapuke Island Group whānau have had their customary marine title confirmed for a second time, after a rehearing required by the Government’s amendments to the Marine and Coastal Area law.
The Ruapuke Island Group sits in Te Ara a Kiwa Foveaux Strait, off the coast of Rakiura (Stewart
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Key points
What’s at stake? Whether the amended customary marine title test delivers an enduring balance between public, private and tangata whenua interests, without adding time and cost for groups sent back to court.
Background Ruapuke whānau first secured a High Court win in August 2025, then returned under the Marine and Coastal Area Takutai Moana Amendment Act for the Court to reassess the evidence.
Main players Ruapuke Island Group whānau, the High Court led by Justice Churchman, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu kaiwhakahaere Justin Tipa, and Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith.
