Foreshore and Sea Bed Issue a 'Divisive Minefield'

The resurgence of debate over the foreshore and seabed ownership is a divisive minefield says the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand (CORANZ).

CORANZ co-chairman Steve Veail says the Treaty of Waitangi was a 50-50 partnership treaty between two cultures, Maori and European designed to create a united culture and society of the future.

"The granting of ownership to just one ethnic group is against the spirit of the Treaty," he said.

Mr Veail rejected any likely accusations of racism.

"CORANZ would be expressing concerns if ownership was given to just indigenous non-Maori New Zealanders," he said.

He said ownership arguments were futile and unrealistic since there are no full-blooded Maori families in New Zealand.

Talk of injustices and grievances of 150 years ago were equally futile. Injustices have happened between Maori and Maori and pre-Maori tribes, between Europeans and Europeans.

"We are all Kiwis. We must  go forward as one," said Mr Veail.

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