If I was living in Samoa, and evidence was presented that non-resident New Zealanders might be buying up 30% of houses on the market, and prices were increasing at such a rate that local residents were being priced out of the market, would my reaction be to feel that that Samoan Government should do something to stop it, or would I just feel offended that someone had targeted New Zealanders?.I am dismayed by the reactions of some high profile New Zealand Chinese on this issue, in that they have reacted emotionally as Chinese and not as citizens of New Zealand, who might also see their children unable to buy houses here. At what stage might this allegiance reverse itself and what is the consequence for New Zealand if there are large numbers of people here whose primary identification is with other countries? I add that I am no stranger to immigrant communities in New Zealand and I don't blame people for feeling like this.

There's a public road (unformed) but with the same rights of access as any main road, going from state highway down to and across the Motu river about 1/4 mile back from the beach. You may have to wade down the river, legally, at that point - I don't know if a Queen's chain would apply.

Will we see a claim for customary rights over public roads as well soon. After all, the reason the beaches and rivers were public property by law was so anyone could use them as roads.

There's a lot going on that we aren't getting asked about and a lot of deliberate misinformation about private property rights on the foreshore (only 6 kilometres in the whole country) . The new agreement with Whanau a Apanui which the government has just signed under the existing foreshore and seabed Act provides for everyone except locals to have to apply for fishing permits.

The current Act, then, is bad enough. Proposals for customary title over the whole country are an outrageous assault on the public estate. If these areas have understood to have been in public ownership for 100 years that is customary ownership as well by now.