We are facing the second largest single event in the creation of a racially divided country. The first was 1975, when a bogus English version of Te Tiriti o Waitangi was created at law. The second is the upcoming rash of ‘customary rights' applications before the courts and directly with the Crown.

Maori are claiming huge tracts of NZ coastline out to 12 nautical miles, extending to the 200 mile Economic Zone. These claims are the consequences of the Marine and Coastal Act (Takutai Moana).

There are two avenues for claimants - the High Court, and direct Crown engagement.
High Court claims can be opposed, but there is no public objection process for claims to the Crown.

It is no surprise to find that 381 claims are for ‘direct negotiations with the Crown' (read Solicitor General Treaty Minister, Chris Finlayson) with no ability for claims to be opposed. The Crown process could be seen to be a ‘disgraceful conflict of interest'. 170 claims to date have applied to go to the High Court.

M Anderson, Pyes Pa.