Summarised by Centrist
A Hobson’s Pledge advertisement in the NZ Herald has drawn sharp criticism from Māori legal experts, who argue that the ad is misleading and stokes anti-Māori sentiment.
Carwyn Jones highlighted that the foreshore and seabed “can’t be owned by anybody,” making the ad’s claim for public ownership inaccurate. “This misinformation is clearly intended to incite anti-Māori sentiment,” Jones stated.
The advertisement, which called for the foreshore and seabed to be restored to public ownership, was condemned by various groups, including Te Pāti Māori and the Māori Journalists’ Association. Critics argue that the ad misrepresents the Marine and Coastal Area Act, which ensures public access and fishing rights while recognizing Māori customary marine titles that cannot be sold. NZME, which owns the Herald, defended the decision to run the ad, stating that it does not endorse the advertised message. However, the ad has led to significant fallout, with Māori broadcaster Waatea News cutting ties with the NZ Herald and calls for NZME to review its advertising standards.
Editor’s note: While it may or may not be correct to assert that no one owns the shoreline, in fact, there have been decades of incidents where hāpu have taken the next step and closed off beach access as the natural evolution of expectations. Also, “ownership” can be semantics if there are rights that can affect others. In any event,, it illustrates the dangers of rhetorical posturing at both ends of the spectrum to sing to their respective choirs.
