Summarised by Centrist
The government plans to amend section 58 of the Marine and Coastal Area Act, making it harder for Māori to prove customary marine title claims. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith announced that claimants must now show continuous exclusive use and ownership of the area since 1840. The move follows a Court of Appeal judgment that had lowered the threshold. The new legislation aims to restore the original test and maintain public confidence. The bill is expected to be introduced in mid-September.
