23 Jun 2010

Some iwi will definitely meet the test - PM

7:57 pm on 23 June 2010

Prime Minister John Key says the proposed reform of the Foreshore and Seabed Act will offer real change, even if only a few iwi and hapu are likely to benefit.

Labour leader Phil Goff has called the reform a con because, he says, the tests for customary rights remain the same.

Mr Key says there's no question the test will be met by iwi like Ngati Porou and Te Whanau a Apanui, which have already negotiated conditional settlements.

He says they will get a title acknowledging their mana and the right to extract minerals like sand and gravel, but not allowing the land to be sold.