[3] To that end, the principles "promote the retention of ... land in the hands of its owners, their whanau, and their hapu, and to protect wahi tapu".

[3] Further, they "facilitate the occupation, development, and utilisation of that land for the benefit of its owners, their whanau, and their hapu".

[6] The Treaty of Waitangi (article 2) confirms Māori customary title (recognises that when a state acquires governance over another country, the pre-existing rights of the indigenous population remain) to the land.

There have been calls to have the act changed in response to the New Zealand foreshore and seabed controversy.

[13] A proposed bill introduced to parliament in 2016 was controversial and it was ultimately withdrawn by the new Minister of Māori Development.