A lawyer says people shouldn't fear Māori being given customary marine titles.  

The Government will tighten criteria so that groups will have to prove continuous and uninterrupted occupation since 1840.  

Te Mata Law barrister Harry Clatworthy says there are about 200 outstanding claims, and he expects around 50 to be particularly affected.  

He told Ryan Bridge concerns that Māori will close down beaches are a misunderstanding of what the titles actually grant.  

Clatworthy says they do grant the right to turn down private resource consents, but don't affect most other activities. 

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