The foreshore and seabed legislation will almost certainly be repealed, but no decision has been taken on what might replace it, Prime Minister John Key said today.
Cabinet today discussed a paper about the Foreshore and Seabed Act though final policy decisions might not be known for months.
The controversial Act followed a 2003 Court of Appeal ruling in the Ngati Apa case that made it possible, in some instances, for Maori customary title to convert into freehold title.
That raised the possibility of parts of the foreshore and seabed coming under Maori control, and potentially restrict public access to the coastline.
The previous government was not prepared to accept that position and legislated against the ruling, causing widespread unrest among Maori and the resignation from the Labour Party of Tariana Turia, who went on to form the Maori Party.
The National Government appointed a panel to review the Act as part of its post-election deal with the Maori Party.
It recommended its repeal and said interim legislation should be put in place until the politicians worked out a way to recognise Maori rights to coastal areas.
Mr Key said the Cabinet discussion today was part of that process.
"There were no conclusions reached, but I think it is likely that you will see a repeal of the foreshore and seabed legislation. The issue is ultimately what replaces that."
He hoped that a cross Parliament consensus on the replacement could be gained.
"It is in New Zealand's interests to ultimately get to the point where there is very wide cross party support... Whether it is possible, I don't know."
The Maori Party welcomed what it called "the clear indication" that the Act would be repealed.
"There is a process in place that we support," said co-leaders Pita Sharples and Mrs Turia.
"As the Maori Party our job is to secure repeal -- now the initiative moves to iwi and hapu to find a way forward in negotiations with the Government."
Mr Key said there was no rush to come to decisions and these would be made in the coming months with the entire process completed in 2010.
Ministers had no expectation on making final decisions today and Mr Key appeared relaxed about the Maori Party saying a repeal decision could be announced.
"It is something they care a lot about, it was the genesis of the party."
Former National leader Don Brash, who caused racial tensions with his Iwi/Kiwi billboards, yesterday told TVNZ political programme Q & A he did not regret those ads but did think Maori should have retained the right to test cases in court.
Mr Key said the legislation had been complex, but a replacement that sat well with all New Zealanders was possible.
There was still the option of repealing the law with no replacement.
This would be a return to the status quo and allow Maori to test their cases in court, but Mr Key said he did not believe iwi leaders supported this idea any more.
