Australia, Canada likely to lead way, 'not Fiji'

Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen says New Zealand is more likely to be influenced by countries such as Canada and Australia, rather than Fiji, in its treatment of foreshore claims.

The Herald revealed yesterday that Fijian Attorney-General Qoriniasi Bale is to change the law in Fiji this year, transferring ownership of coastal areas from the state to indigenous tribes.

Fiji's Government says it is "right" that local tribes should get the direct economic benefit from the use of their beaches, seas and reefs by thousands of international holiday-makers every year.

The move contrasts with the New Zealand Government's decision announced last month to change the law here to ensure coastal areas are owned in the "public domain" by all New Zealanders, effectively extinguishing the right of Maori to claim freehold title to the seabed and foreshore.

The Government has pledged to protect customary rights, but its proposals provide for only limited commercial opportunities.

Yesterday, Dr Cullen backed the Government's duty minister, Annette King, in distancing New Zealand from the Fijian plan. He said Australia and Canada were more likely overseas models for this country over issues of indigenous people's rights.

In a speech to a Fiji tourism forum, Senator Bale said the areas covered in his Government's changes included customary fishing grounds, including reefs and seabeds.

The legislation would not interfere with the right of access to the foreshore, but the meaning of "public access" would have to be defined.

- NZPA