Balancing all foreshore interests critical to any lasting solution

Before the Government locks in new arrangements to replace the Foreshore and Seabed Act, the interests of other community groups with a justifiable foreshore access interests also need to have their rights and entitlements thoroughly assessed and protected.

Michael Barnett, chief executive of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, was commenting following today’s agreement between the Government and Maori leaders to repeal the Foreshore and Seabed Act.

He noted that the consultation document reviewing the Foreshore Act clearly states that there are four stakeholder interest groups with interests in the foreshore that need to be protected. They are: recreational and conservation interests, Maori customary interests, business and development interests and local government interests.

To quote from Review Document: “These interests overlap. The government has a role in balancing all these interests and intends that any new legislation will do this.”

However, the Review document only looked at the customary title issues in any depth, with little scrutiny of the interests of the other three groups.

Mr Barnett: “I have concerns that in seeking a solution to foreshore issues the Government appears to be undertaking a consultation with Maori leaders without having taken on board the views of the other major players in the outcome.”

He notes that around 1500 submissions have been made on the foreshore review, showing strong interest in the issue across all areas of the community. The Chamber has been advised that these submissions are still being assessed and won’t be put onto the Ministry of Justice website until early next month.

“It is obvious that today’s deal has short-changed the review process, and the other key groups will have to repeat their submissions when the replacement legislation goes to a select committee.”

The Chamber submission (see www.aucklandchamber.co.nz ) makes the point that a lasting solution to New Zealand’s foreshore issues will require a collaborative process and commitment by the leadership of all interest groups if the promised “balanced viewpoint” is to be achieved.

“It should be obvious that until all key parties get around the table together, we will simply continue to go round in circles and heap one group’s grievance on those of others,” concluded Mr Barnett.

For more information contact Michael Barnett on 0275 631 150.