Foreshore plans. "If you listen carefully you can hear the sound of commercial lawyers salivating..." 4 April 2010

A large man and his equally large wife wade in the sea as they enjoy their day at the beach. The man picks up a conch shell that represents 'Foreshore Plans' and says that 'If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of commercial lawyers salivating..' Refers to debate about the content of the repealed Foreshore and Seabed Act which suggests that the nub of the Government's plan guarantees recognition of Maori customary rights while safeguarding all New Zealanders' access to beaches. Central to this is the proposition that no one owns or can own the foreshore and seabed. The area would be called a public domain. Maori would again have the right to go to court to establish customary title, but not freehold title. This differs markedly from the 2004 act, which extinguished claims for customary title by vesting ownership in the Crown. To that such proceedings are as quick and inexpensive as possible, the Government plans a non-adversarial approach and legislation that will set out how customary interests and title are to be determined and recognised ensure. Broadly, these embrace the use of the marine area since 1840 and exclusive occupation of territory without substantial interruption.0.

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