Sunday, 18 January 2009

A new deal under the controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act will allow Maori to ban other New Zealanders from some East Cape beaches.

The deal between the Crown and Ngati Porou would enable the iwi to close some coastal areas, veto use of the coast for commercial reasons, set fishing regulations, impose fines of up to $5000 on those who fail to comply, and change place names.

The agreement, covering the East Cape from Opotiki to Gisborne, would also allow about 50 hapu to designate some areas “wahi tapu” or sacred.

Read the full article from Stuff.

Filed under: Ali Perkins, News/Current Affairs