On November 18, the New Zealand government, dominated by the Labor and Progressive
parties, passed the Foreshore and Seabed Act, granting ownership of foreshore
and seabed areas to the state. The legislation provides for Maori communities
to apply to establish certain types of reservations along the shore. The bill
met with Maori opposition, who claim it violates the Waitangi Treaty, and precipitated
the creation of the political Maori Party in May.
