Some bach owners on Auckland's West Coast will not have right of way to their properties permanently locked into law.
An access track to a bach in O'Neills Bay. Photo: Supplied
The Maori Affairs Select Committee has decided to back proposed Treaty settlement legislation, which says access would have to be repeatedly renewed.
MPs said they had listened to the owners' views, and have empathy for the families who have holiday homes at
Te Henga-Bethells Beach.
However, politicans said there was no need to change the Treaty legislation proposed for Te Kawerau ā Maki, which is reclaiming tribal lands, some of it shouldering the baches.
Instead, the MPs said access agreements lasting for between 30 and 60 years could be secured under the Conservation Act. They describe that right of way option as reasonable.
The committee said it understood Te Kawerau ā Maki is prepared to grant rights of way for 60 years, but noted that that offer has not yet been accepted.
