The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 provides a legal framework for iwi, hapu and whanau interested to be recognised in the marine and coastal areas around New Zealand. It gives groups the chance to obtain Customary Marine Title, which recognises that the group has an interest in a specific area of the coast and gives the group certain rights.
Environment Southland has been notified of four Customary Marine Title applications for coastal waters in Southland, lodged with the High Court (see map below).
Current effect on resource consent applications
All prospective applicants for resource consents for coastal activities in Southland must, before making the resource consent application to Environment Southland:
- Check the map below
- Identify which iwi groups have applied for Customary Marine Title in the area affected by the resource consent application
- Notify the iwi groups (using the contact details below) and 'seek their views' on the application
- Provide with the consent application any views expressed by the iwi groups
Environment Southland will consider the views of the Customary Marine Title group when making decisions on coastal resource consent applications.
Future effect on consent applications
If Customary Marine Title is awarded to these groups, activities requiring a resource consent (including controlled activities) will not be able to be undertaken unless an 'RMA permission right' has been obtained from the group.
We will update this page if Customary Marine Title is awarded to the groups listed below.
Are you applying for a consent to carry out an activity in the coastal marine area? Check out this map to see if you need to consult with one of these Customary Marine Title groups.
