The minister responsible for the Marine and Coastal Area Act says the Government would have passed the bill even if the Supreme Court had agreed with a lower court's ruling against it.  

The Government will proceed with the bill which will tighten criteria for Māori claiming Customary Marine Titles.  

Justice and Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith told Mike Hosking he thinks the settings will be right after the legislation's passed.  

He says they want Māori to be able to apply for the titles but there has to be a high bar. 

Goldsmith says they want to move on this quickly, and he’s hoping to have the legislation introduced in October. 

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