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Maori Coalition Challenges Crown Over Freshwater Rights in Court

10/23/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Wai Manawa Whenua coalition will challenge the Crown in the High Court on November 2-3 over Maori freshwater rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The coalition comprises 32 Maori Land Trusts and over 150,000 landowners.
It argues the Crown has not fulfilled obligations to protect Maori freshwater interests.
Chairman Kingi Smiler says the case seeks recognition, not ownership, and calls for a court declaration for fair water allocation.

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Story summary

The Wai Manawa Whenua coalition will challenge the Crown in the High Court on November 2-3 over Maori freshwater rights under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
The coalition comprises 32 Maori Land Trusts and over 150,000 landowners.
It argues the Crown has not fulfilled obligations to protect Maori freshwater interests.
Chairman Kingi Smiler says the case seeks recognition, not ownership, and calls for a court declaration for fair water allocation.