We’re pleased to share some good news! The long-awaited Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill passed its final reading on 21 October. This legislation seeks to restore Parliament’s original intent behind the 2011 Act by tightening the criteria for recognising customary marine title. It’s a welcome step in the right direction — though it remains to be seen whether the courts will continue to interpret the law in ways that expand customary title beyond what Parliament intended. Read more about this below at: ‘Marine and Coastal Area Amendment Bill passed’
Meanwhile, Labour has pledged to repeal the amendments if it returns to power. Given the extensive areas of the foreshore and seabed already granted to claimants under the current law, this position suggests the party is comfortable with Māori groups gaining customary marine title over much of New Zealand’s coastline. To learn more about the rights that accompany such titles, see our April 2024 newsletter: THE RISING TIDE OF CUSTOMARY RIGHTS OVER THE FORESHORE AND SEABED
This may be a step forward — but challenges remain
When National, ACT, and New Zealand First formed a government after the 2023 election, they promised to uphold democracy, equality, and an end to race-based privilege. Yet, instead of governing equally for all New Zealanders, the government continues to create separate rights for Māori through legislation.
The latest example is the Gene Technology Bill, which proposes establishing a Māori Advisory Committee to advise the Regulator on applications involving indigenous species — and even “non-indigenous species of significance.” The Committee would assess whether Māori have a kaitiaki (guardianship) relationship with a species and whether genetic engineering could harm that relationship — potentially halting an application. The Bill is now approaching its second reading, so there’s still time to make your voice heard. Read more about this below at: ‘Scientific evidence must guide Gene Technology— not race’
RECOMMENDED READING
- ‘Racial Hierarchies Are Gaining Traction in Canada - by Adam Zivo (City Journal). A commentary on a movement in Canada that labels non-indigenous residents as “settlers,” effectively casting them as second-class citizens — a trend that bears striking similarities to what is currently happening in New Zealand.
- A selection of interesting comments below at: ‘Further News, Views, Commentaries…...’
Also, remember to check out the Democracy Action Facebook page regularly for further information and a variety of interesting commentaries.
Thank you for your continued interest and support. If you have any suggestions you would like to offer, or if you need further information or help, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
And please help spread the message by sharing our newsletters with anyone who may be interested. You can receive further updates by registering or joining us.
Kind regards,
Susan Short