5 March 2004 Media Statement

Nelson and Marlborough Mayors wrong - Cullen

“The Maori Land Court will be responsible for awarding Maori customary title and rights under the foreshore and seabed framework, not local government,” Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen said today.

Dr Cullen was responding to reported comments from the Mayor of Nelson and the Mayor of Marlborough that the government was putting this responsibility on to local authorities.

“I don’t know how anyone could possibly take that interpretation,” he said. “This is a highly sensitive issue and I wish people would contact the government first before making statements that could be inflammatory.”

Local government has responsibilities now under the Resource Management Act for managing the coastline and is required to consult with local Maori in regard to the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga.

“The principal effect of the changes the government is proposing will be to clarify through customary title precisely which Maori should be consulted in relation to which areas and to provide for Maori customary rights to be protected through the RMA,” Dr Cullen said.

ENDS

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