We now have an agreement between the Māori Party and the National Party to find a satisfactory solution protecting the interests of all New Zealanders and recognizing customary rights, so they are looking to broaden the shape of the regime that will replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004, even thou the task of finding a happy medium seems quite hard to achieve.
Prime Minister John Key said "It has been my view as prime minister that it's important for the nation to settle these issues so it does not remain as a weeping sore," He also has said he thinks an "elegant" solution can be found, but he has warned Maori not to expect too much. Under the deal, Maori can apply for customary rights either through direct negotiations with the Crown or through court processes. However, no part of the foreshore or seabed can be sold under the law, which it is hoped will be passed through parliament by the end of the year.
The proposals are certainly an improvement on the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004. But then, almost anything would be. It is difficult to discern in these proposals any real shift in the Crown’s attitude to Māori interests in the foreshore and seabed.
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