MACA | Tauranga Update
Tauranga Moana
Ngāti Pūkenga is seeking recognition of customary marine title and protected customary rights across parts of Tauranga Moana and the wider coastal area from Waihi Beach to Mauao / Mount Maunganui, through to Maketu. This application is being dealt with as separate areas with the first two as a participant in the Ngā Pōtiki ā Tamapahore application, which has been heard in two stages.
In Stage One, relating to Te Tāhuna o Rangataua (the inner harbour), the High Court issued a decision in October 2021 recognising customary marine title interests in that area. Ngāti Pūkenga was one of several iwi involved in that hearing.
Stage Two, covering the Papamoa coast and wider seaward area, was heard in 2021 and a final decision is still pending, however this stage is now affected by recent legislative amendments to the Act.
Hearing dates for the remaining Tauranga areas have not yet been confirmed by the Court.