Ferris Calls on Governor General to Block Foreshore and Seabed Confiscation

Te Pāti Māori
Published by
October 16, 2025

Te Pāti Māori Spokesperson for Te Tiriti, Tākuta Ferris, has called on the Governor General to block Royal Assent of the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Amendment Bill, after receiving a petition with 20-thousand signatures opposing the bill.

Te Pāti Māori will return the foreshore and seabed to the rightful ownership of mana whenua when elected into government.

“For the first time in the history of this nation, the Governor General must block royal assent to the Foreshore and Seabed bill,” said Ferris.

“For over 21-years Māori have had to pull their energy together to prove the Government test. Countless protests, countless High Court wins to get nowhere. Whenever Māori rise above the test, this Luxon government decides to change it and nullify those who have proven successful.

“Luxon has made it clear that bringing our Te Tiriti o Waitangi disputes to Parliament is a waste of time. Te iwi Māori now needs to elevate our mana and Te Tiriti issues to a constitutional level, directly with the Governor General. Until that happens, she must immediately block royal assent.

The call comes after a petition opposing amendments to the Marine and Coastal Area Act was delivered from the far north by Reuben Taipari, gathering 19,598 signatures in a matter of days.

“I commend Reuben for his hustle and mahi pulling together a massive amount of support against this Foreshore and Seabed confiscating bill.

“All descendants of He Whakaputanga, Te Tiriti, and the iwi leadership of today must now escalate our issues directly to the Governor-General. It’s time for her to get her hands involved in looking after her people.

 

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