High Court

A South Island iwi has won a major legal victory for the return of its land by the Crown.

Minister Shane Jones agrees Te Pāti Māori’s point that an increase in the allowable commercial catch (TACC) for snapper would precipitate a breach of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Te Ohu wamted the judge to make an interim declaration that would restrict the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries’ power to increase allowable catches for now. He declined

A legal challenge against a Northland council that voted to abolish its Māori ward last month is due to get underway on Wednesday morning.

The judicial review proceedings were filed prior to the vote, with the rūnanga warning it would also file an injunction should the motion pass, which it did.

Crown lawyers resisted the summons, and took the matter to the High Court.