Hon Shane Jones

Spokesperson for Treaty Settlements

6 December 2018

Ngā Rohe Moana O Ngā Hapū O Ngāti Porou Bill Passes Second Reading

New Zealand First has voted in favour of the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Bill, which passed its second reading in Parliament today.

The Bill formalises the existing customary interests of Ngāti Porou in ngā rohe moana o ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou, however Hon Shane Jones, New Zealand First Spokesperson for Treaty Settlements, said he was disappointed that not all hapū have committed – something that New Zealand First wants rectified before the legislation can be passed into law.

“New Zealand First believes that the basis for Ngāti Porou’s claim to customary rights has been through a sound process, and has confidence that the existing uses of all New Zealanders of the area subject to the settlement will be protected and preserved,” says Shane Jones.

“The Bill does not vest ownership of the common marine and coastal area, public access is largely unaffected, and there will be ministerial oversight of bylaws posed by Ngāti Porou in relation to the area.

“It is taxing of the Government and Parliament’s time when some hapū choose to slow the settlement process down, however we recognise the importance of ensuring broad support for this legislation.”

“New Zealand First will seek to ensure that any serious reservations expressed by various submitters, are resolved during the Committee of the Whole stage.”

ENDS

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