The Ministry of Justice has advised that the application deadline for customary interests under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011 is now six months away, on 3 April 2017.

The Act repealed the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 and sets out the legal rights and interests that give expression to customary interests in the common marine and coastal area of New Zealand.

Under section 100, an application may be filed for a recognition order, but this must be filed no later than 3 April 2017.

A recognition order recognises a protected customary right or customary marine title.

The ministry says applicants can apply through the High Court and through Crown engagement. It says it is encouraging applicants to use both pathways. Further details of the application process are available here.