A Northland iwi culturally opposed to sea burials say they will be seeking a law change to ensure no bodies are buried within their tribal area.
The stance by Anahera Herbert-Graves, Te Runanga a iwi o Ngati Kahu chief executive, comes after iwi "finally" met with the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which has control over burials more than 12 nautical miles from shore, after voicing their opposition to sea burials within their rohe (area).
"We made progress but it was not satisfactory because we did not meet with the decision makers," she said. "They're not the law-makers, they are the regulators, so we will be talking to our local MP to seek a law change."
There is an authorised burial location which covers 4 nautical miles (about 7km) about 70km northeast of Cape Brett. The area is part of Ngati Kahu's tribal area and last week Ms Herbert-Graves voiced her frustration about the lack of consultation over the site, particularly given the iwi's strong cultural beliefs which do not condone the dead being buried in their "food cupboard".
This week, three representatives from the EPA travelled to Kaitaia to meet with hapu.