Maori leader urges hard line until foreshore dispute settled

A Far North Maori leader has called for a nationwide ban on commercial seafood gathering in traditional tribal areas until ownership of the foreshore and seabed is clarified.

Former Labour MP Bruce Gregory's Ngati Te Ao and Tahawai hapu, both of Te Rarawa, have imposed a commercial rahui (ban) on tribal coastline and waterways.

Dr Gregory wants other coastal hapu to follow, leading to a ban on commercial taking of seafood right around the country's coastline.

The Northland rahui extends from the bottom of Ninety Mile Beach and around Tauroa Pt on the west coast.