Attention New Zealanders. The current National lead government is creating a huge problem for us all in the future. In exchange for Maori party support they are putting through a bill (the foreshore and seabed bill) that will strip New Zealanders and others of the rights to enjoy our beaches, fisheries etc. If you don't believe this will happen then look at other beaches that Iwi have blocked access to I can think of three the worse being Hokio where my wife was abused when going for a walk nearby and told it was a private Maori beach.
There is also a huge problem in that Maori affairs are the select committee hearing concerns and making recommendations....this means that the select committee does in fact have a personal bias to push this bill through. A further issue arises with the proposed process that will come down to one person having the say on who owns (or has customary rights to a seabed/foreshore), even the appeal process will lead back to this one man Chris Finlayson (previous solicitor for Nghai Tahu Tribe).
If you want to continue to have free access and want your grandchildren to have this right then please get hold of your MP and tell them how you feel. The foreshore and seabed should be for the benefit of all New Zealanders (iwi included).
Where is the democracy/impartiality in this process?
Martin Wilson, Avenues.