Ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou public consultation
Public consultation will be open on 9 February. We invite feedback from the community, stakeholders, and interested parties.
Overview
Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou have applied for customary marine title (CMT) and wāhi tapu protection rights under the Ngā Rohe Moana o Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou Act 2019. The CMT application area is from Potikirua to Koutonui Head, covering the area between 3 to 12 nautical miles from the mean high-water springs.
The areas shown in blue on the map already have Customary Marine Title (CMT), which was recognised by the Crown following the 2013 public consultation process. The areas shown in red, also covered in the 2013 public consultation process, are separately being considered in terms of whether to recognise CMT i.e subject to ministerial determination. It is important to note that these blue and red areas (out to 3 nautical miles) are not part of the current public consultation, because consultation on these areas has already been completed. The current consultation relates only to the offshore area beyond 3 nautical miles, shown in yellow on the map.
Why your views matter?
Your submission will help inform advice to the responsible Minister, Hon Paul Goldsmith, as part of the decision-making process. Whether you’re a local resident, a commercial operator, or someone who uses the area recreationally, your insights are valuable.
About the application
Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou are seeking recognition of:
- Customary marine title: acknowledging their exclusive use and occupation of the area, in accordance with tikanga, since 1840.
- Wāhi tapu protection rights: recognising and safeguarding sacred, spiritual or significant sites through lawful prohibitions or restrictions on access.
These rights do not affect public access, fishing, navigation, or recreational use, except where necessary to protect wāhi tapu.
Learn more
For more information about the Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou application, see the FAQ document below. See here (external link)for more information on customary interests in the common marine and coastal area.
Privacy disclaimer
Submissions are public information.
All submissions will be made public on the Te Tari Whakatau website after the consultation has closed and submissions have been analysed. Submissions and the name of each submitter will be published on the website.
Your feedback is subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). Any request under the OIA that includes identifying information will need to be considered in line with the OIA. If your feedback is within scope of an OIA request for information, Te Tari Whakatau is required to release the information unless one of the withholding grounds of the OIA apply.
Te Tari Whakatau can withhold personal details under the OIA, including your name and address. If you believe there are reasons to withhold specific information from publication, please make this clear in your submission or contact us. Reasons may include commercially sensitive or personal information. Any decision Te Tari Whakatau makes to withhold details can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may require us to release it.
The Privacy Act 2020 governs how the Te Tari Whakatau collects and uses the personal information about you and your submission. You have the right to access and correct personal information.