Public Consultation for Ngā hapū o Ngāti Porou: Application for Customary Marine Title

Overview

The Office of Treaty Settlements and Takutai Moana: Te Tari Whakatau is seeking public feedback to help inform the Minister’s decision on this application.

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 application area spans from Pōtikirua to Koutunui Head, extending from three to twelve nautical miles offshore.

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 shape 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. The Minister must consider both the applicants’ evidence and the views of the public before making a decision.

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: safeguarding culturally significant sites through lawful restrictions or prohibitions on access.

These rights do not affect public access, fishing, navigation, or recreational use, except where necessary to protect wāhi tapu.

Have Your Say

Submissions must be received by 3 April 2026.

If you prefer not to use Citizen Space, you can you can submit your feedback:

By email: takutaimoana@whakatau.govt.nz.

By post:
Te Tira Takutai Moana
Te Tari Whakatau
19 Aitken Street
SX1011
Wellington 6011

Prefer to speak with us? You can request a meeting with officials by emailing takutaimoana@whakatau.govt.nz.

Learn More

For more information about the Ngā Hapū o Ngāti Porou application, see the FAQ document attached below. Visit Te Tari Whakatau for more information on customary interests in the common marine and coastal area.

Privacy Disclaimer

Submissions are public information

All submissions will be made publicly available on Te Tari Whakatau’s website after the consultation has closed and submissions have been analysed. Submissions will be published together with the name of the submitter.

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, the Ministry is required to release the information unless one of the withholding grounds of the OIA apply.

The Ministry 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 Ministry collects and uses the personal information about you and your submission. You have the right to access and correct personal information.