February 02, 2021
Ngāti Porou stake in coast recognised
A Ngāti Porou negotiator says agreement on the iwi’s customary rights to the foreshore and seabed reflects the tribe’s unique position.
The government yesterday gazetted 14 areas along the East Cape and East Coast where Ngāti Porou hapū and iwi have customary rights and interests.
Customary marine title enables the holders to exercise certain rights through involvement in resource consent and Conservation Act processes, customary fisheries management, the ownership of non-Crown minerals and taonga tūturu in the title area, and protection of wāhi tapu, such as urupā.
Matanuku Mahuika says while it has taken 15 years to acquire the first titles, the iwi mobilised quickly to protect its interests when the Foreshore and Seabed Act was passed in 2004.
"We are the public within the Ngāti Porou rohe. We have maintained the ownership of our coastal lands and that deep connection with the takutai moana and continued to assert our connection so we wanted to have that recognised and we did not agree with the Foreshore and Seabed Act either undermining that or taking it away," he says.
Matanuku Mahuika says Ngāti Porou is not seeking a financial advantage but it wants to protect the mana of the hapū and their connection with the takutai moana since human settlement in Aotearoa.
Copyright © 2021, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com