Dunne welcomes return of public domain

UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne has welcomed the return of public domain (takiwa iwi whanui) to the foreshore and seabed debate.

Mr Dunne has consistently championed treating the foreshore and seabed as public domain for all New Zealanders, as the best way to resolve the contentious issue.

“I am delighted that the Government’s discussion document picks up the concept as its preferred option, because it is the only viable long-term solution to this issue,” he said.

Mr Dunne said public domain was very much in the previous Government’s thinking in 2003-2004 and was only abandoned when New Zealand First’s support become critical to the passage of the legislation and it demanded public domain be dropped in favour of Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed.

“That is the root of much of the current problem,” he said

“The assertion of Crown ownership was always controversial and set Maori and Pakeha against each other.

“In contrast, public domain is an inclusive approach that recognises and protects the rights and interests of all New Zealanders regarding the foreshore and seabed.

“I am delighted that UnitedFuture’s original solution to this vexed issue of designating the status of public domain to New Zealand’s foreshore and seabed is considered by the Government and the Maori Party as the way forward in resolving this issue.

“I call on all parties in Parliament to back this core principle in the discussion document to ensure an enduring solution to this issue ,” he said.

ENDS

© Scoop Media