We have examined the claims and here is what we found: In addition to claims for “the entire foreshore and territorial waters of New Zealand”, there are multiple, overlapping applications, that not only cover the coastline out to the 12 nautical mile territorial limit – including all “islands, reefs, tidal rivers, tributaries, estuaries, springs, wet lands” and the “airspace” above – but also extend to the edge of the “200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone”.

Some claimants are planning on “taking” “dolphins, whales, penguins, and seals”.

Many intend ‘taking’ “seabirds” – and their eggs.

All species of “fish” – including “deep sea” varieties – are being targeted, as are all “shellfish, oysters, snails, kina, paua and crayfish”.

Some are claiming protected islands like the Poor Knights – home to the endangered tuatara – with plans for “recreational uses” and the “gathering of natural resources”, while others want “the right to derive commercial benefit” from their areas.

Many claims prioritise “mineral extraction” – the mining of “sand, peat, shingle, aggregate, rocks, stone, and ochre”.

Others specify control of the “landing, launching, anchoring and mooring” of vessels, all “boatsheds”, and all “aquaculture” developments.

Many claimants state they intend imposing “rahui” – to ban others from fishing – and most are planning to declare “wahi tapu” to prohibit public access to the coast, especially sand dunes: “all the sand dunes of our foreshore are wahi tapu…”

Dr Muriel Newman

Dr Muriel Newman established the New Zealand Centre for Political Research as a public policy think tank in 2005 after nine years as a Member of Parliament. A former Chamber of Commerce President, her background is in business and education