Iwi win foreshore and seabed recognition 10 May 2021 08:54 AM Photo: Radio Waatea Image Database. More Related Stories Tom Bennion: Iwi win foreshore and seabed recognition A lawyer involved in the first High Court case involving the Marine and Coastal Areas Act says it’s one of the most significant judgments in New Zealand’s history. A lawyer involved in the first High Court case involving the Marine and Coastal Areas Act says it’s one of the most significant judgments in New Zealand’s history. In a 215-page judgment released on Friday, Justice Peter Churchman found Te Whakatohea, Ngāi Tai, Ngāti Awa and other iwi and hapū had a customary marine title or protected customary interests in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.