Tribe wants a legal guide before acting on harbour

By SIMON COLLINS

Maori claimants expect to have to negotiate the final shape of their legal entitlements if the Maori Land Court rules that they have customary rights to the Waitemata Harbour.

Ngati Whatua O Orakei Maori Trust Board chairman Sir Hugh Kawharu said last night that it was too early to say if the iwi would take over boat moorings and other facilities that stretch around much of the shoreline of New Zealand's wealthiest harbour.

Ports of Auckland wharves, buildings, properties and moorings alone are valued at just over $500 million.

"We need to get a legal steer from the Maori Land Court," Sir Hugh said.

"Then we will have to go into a huddle to see what is the best way of tackling this."

But Anaru Kira, who lodged an application for customary rights to the foreshore between Mangonui Harbour and the Bay of Islands* on behalf of 297 hapu of Ngati Kahu and Ngapuhi, said "changing the landlord" would stop further sales of the coastline to foreigners.

"It's not a process that non-Maori should ever fear, when you consider that 70 per cent of New Zealand's resources have been sold to foreigners," Mr Kira said.

"Most of the coastline is being held by wealthy non-Maori people who do not allow you across their property on to the beach.

"In most of the regions where Maori have foreshore titles, the population of New Zealand has access to the beach.

"Perhaps it's time to change the landlord."

* CORRECTION: In the original version of this report, we incorrectly stated that Anaru Kira had lodged an application for Rangaunu and Mangonui Harbours.