Representatives of the East Coast iwi on Tuesday addressed the Maori Affairs Select Committee, which is hearing submissions on the Marine and Coastal Area Bill.
There is growing opposition from iwi to the Marine and Coastal Area Bill, including Ngai Tahu and three Bay of Plenty iwi.
But Ngati Porou spokesperson Matanuku Mahuika told the committee the 72,000 strong iwi supports the bill because gaining customary rights under the current law is an onerous process.
In 2008, Ngati Porou signed the first deal with the Crown under the 2004 Foreshore and Seabed Act, protecting the customary rights of the iwi while retaining public access to coastal areas.
