The debate over the seabed and foreshore is usually portrayed, as a racial battle. In any event, it touches raw nerves aplenty - To some: a threat to the treasured certainty of continued beach access, growing irritation at spiraling Treaty claims, costs and concessions, more outrageous racial pandering and an infuriating inability to put the past behind us. To others: what looks like the continuation of a pattern of dispossession, betrayal, colonial arrogance and disrespect for Maori chiefly rights. .
It's easy to guess which side is which. .
Explanation.
The simple fact is that Pakeha/NZ European people are fed up with Maori continuing to place claims to the Maori Land court. There is a view of "what's in the pasts in the past and can't be changed" while to a certain extent this is true, Maori were badly duped back in 1840 when the Treaty of Waitangi was signed.
Cultural intolerance is a big problem in New Zealand and you know what they say, lack of understanding is usually the root of intolerance. The general public doesn't understand why and how Maori can make such claims, it's just seen as "bloody Maoris holding their hand out" .
Even though we claim to be a tolerant multiracial country, underneath we really have a rather large serving of racism.
The Likely Future.
While many New Zealanders have a view that Maori will never get sole ownership of the seabed and foreshore, anything is possible. Maori are standing strong behind their cause and have rejected the government's proposals.
If Maori are granted what they want, there are fears that "Joe public" will be blocked from using the beach as he pleases. If they wanted to, with sole ownership Maori could block whoever they wanted from setting foot on the foreshore or seabed. .
The marine industry is one of the main reasons Maori want the seabed, this would guarantee then access to it for them to practice aquaculture.
My view.
I don't see Maori gaining full ownership of the foreshore and seabed.