Foreshore and Seabed Review
2 July 2009
Ngāi Tahu commends the Foreshore and Seabed Review report released today and the leadership shown by Minister Finlayson and the Māori Party.
"This report addresses the issues that lie at the heart of Maoridom's concerns over the Foreshore and Seabed Act and I believe it offers a solution for all New Zealanders to resolve this issue," says Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon.
We support the statements of Minister Finalyson and Minister Sharples that the government should take time to consider the report, and would hope that Iwi Leaders are able to meet with the Ministers to discuss the way forward.
"The real value in the report is that it offers a considered, balanced approach to a complex issue that was blown out of proportion by the former government," says Solomon.
"The report is an incredibly significant document for iwi and hapū and New Zealand as a whole because it represents the beginning of a healing process. The former government created the Foreshore and Seabed Act amidst a climate of divisiveness and anger – this report helps us move beyond those tensions toward a constructive solution."
At this time, we strongly support the recommendation for an interim Act to be passed revoking the Foreshore and Seabed Act and putting in place the necessary principles that will form the basis of an enduring solution.
We will now take the time to talk with our people and other iwi to fully consider the report.
ENDS