The Minister of Treaty Negotiations says an attempt to claim the country's foreshore and sea beds on behalf of all Maori is silly.

Maori Council chairman Maanu Paul has filed a claim to the High Court in Rotorua, for customary rights to New Zealand's entire coast, foreshore and waters for Maori.

Chris Finlayson says the Marine and Coastal Area Act gave people until a few weeks ago to file any such claims - but that doesn't mean you can file on behalf of everyone.

"I don't think he's got a chance in the world, but it's before the courts and it's always a counsel of perfection not to say too much when something is before the court."