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The Iwi Chairs Forum has warned the Government it will fight the confiscation of Maori fishing rights in the creation of the Kermadec ocean sanctuary.
Member Willie Te Aho says the forum at Hopuhopu yesterday agreed to back legal action by Te Ohu Kaimoana, and it will also consider raising the issue in the United Nations.
He says iwi chairs would support the giant marine reserve if their treaty rights are not appropriated.
"If the Government is allowed to get this legislation through which, without our consent takes our rights away which, were confirmed by a treaty settlement, then no treaty settlement that has been done in this country is safe," he says.
Willie Te Aho says the only abstention was Ngati Kuri, whose historic connection to Rangitahua-Raoul Island has been acknowledged in the creation of the sanctuary.
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