There’s a chance for the Government to reset, with a successful appeal from the Attorney-General offering more clarity on Māori customary rights to the foreshore and seabed.

The Supreme Court's rejected a Court of Appeal judgment as a narrow interpretation of criteria.

It's unanimously ruled applicants must use and occupy an area, and maintain this use without substantial interruption.

Thorndon Chambers barrister Max Harris told Mike Hosking the Supreme Court's cleared up a lot of the details.

He says the Government probably needs to go back to the drawing board on its legislation now that the position's changed.

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