New Zealand Parliament passes first reading of bill to clarify Customary Marine Titles process.

New Zealand's Parliament has passed the first reading of a bill aimed at clarifying the process for granting Customary Marine Titles (CMTs) along the coast. Proposed by Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith, the legislation seeks to restore a higher threshold for CMT applications, following a 2020 Court of Appeal ruling that lowered it. The bill will undergo public consultation and is expected to pass by year-end, impacting pending applications as of July 25, 2024.