Te Kāhui Takutai Moana (Marine and Coastal Area)
Protecting the interests of all New Zealanders in the marine and coastal area
The Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 acknowledges the importance of the marine and coastal area to all New Zealanders and provides for the recognition of the customary rights of iwi, hapū and whānau in the common marine and coastal area. Public access to the common marine and coastal area is guaranteed by the Act. The Takutai Moana Rōpū reports to the responsible Minister, Hon Andrew Little.
What customary interests are
Iwi, hapū or whānau group can get recognition of two types of customary interest under the Marine and Coastal Area Act
Information for applicants
You need to meet tests to get recognition of customary marine title and protected customary rights.
Find out more about the Act if you are:
- a group who applied for the recognition of customary interests
- applying for a resource consent
- a local government official
What is the common Marine and Coastal Area?
The marine and coastal area is the area between the mean high water springs and the outer limits of the territorial sea - 12 nautical miles from shore.
The common marine and coastal area are the parts of the marine and coastal area that aren't in private ownership or part of a conservation area.
Applications for recognition of customary interests had to be filed by 3 April 2017. Applications are determined through: