Local reaction to the Whakatohea foreshore case has taken the expected turn, with locals expressing fear and outrage that Maori might be allowed even limited property rights over something rich Pakeha are allowed to own outright. But much of this fear is rooted in ignorance, as the comment below clearly demonstrates:
Stephen Bonne, owner of the Aquarius Motor Lodge, 100m from the beach at Ohope, said people could get "pretty greedy"."Maori say they will not restrict the access, but what's to stop them charging money once a claim goes through?"
The law, for a start. S40(2) of the Act expressly forbids the charging of fees for the use of the foreshore, while 40(3) makes it clear that the granting of a foreshore reserve does not affect public rights of access or navigation. The same applies to customary rights orders. But hey, why let the facts get in the way of a little racial fear?
Yes, I can imagine this tribe being very careful not to contravene section 40 of the Act Idiot. Do you really believe that? Maori, like most people, will try and get something for nothing and that is what will happen.
ReplyDeleteThen the government will stop them. I expect they will be quite vigorous in enforcing that particular aspect of the law.
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