January 04, 2015
Hugh Barr lies on the beach in summer
A former New Zealand First candidate is stirring up Mahia bach owners with claims they could be adversely affected by a Rongomaiwahine claim for customary title.
Hugh Barr from the Council of Outdoor Recreation Associations of New Zealand told a public meeting at Mokotahi on Sunday that if its claim was successful, Rongomaiwahine would be able to enforce fines of up to $5000 on people who use the beaches without permission.
He said the foreshore and seabed was owned by the Crown on behalf of all New Zealanders as a public common from 1840 to 2011, when Prime Minister John Key gave away public ownership of the coastal area to buy the parliamentary support of the Maori Party by passing the Marine and Coastal Areas (Takutai Moana) Act.
Dr Barr drove the Coastal Coalition campaign against the bill, leading to an amendment specifically ruling out Maori customary owners charging for beach access.
Mr Key said at the time the change was because Dr Barr was running around telling a lot of untruths around the country and trying to whip up Pakeha concern where it’s not justified".
Dr Barr, who was at number 20 on the New Zealand First list at the last election, says the law will still give customary owners a veto on development and allow them to charge for charge fees for use of current and new slipways, wharves, aquaculture areas, marinas, and exclusive mining rights to iron-sand and minerals in the area.
He asked bach owners at the meeting for statements to prove that Rongomaiwahine has not had exclusive use and occupation of Mahia by showing where and when they too had swum, fished, boated, and walked the beach without restriction.
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