The Prime Minister is increasing pressure on the Maori Party to back National's proposal if it wants to see the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 repealed.
John Key says the Government is close to making a decision on what should replace the Act but will not proceed with it if it does not have the support of the Maori Party.
Maori Party co-leader and Minister of Maori Affairs, Pita Sharples, joined Cabinet on Tuesday for its discussions on the future of the legislation.
Mr Key wants the foreshore and seabed to be placed in public domain, which means it would be owned by no-one, but controlled by the Crown.
He says an agreement will have to be reached with the Maori Party before any changes are made.
"It's my view that once we finally put a document on the table for parties to consider, and I've made this quite clear to the Maori Party, if in the end the Maori Party decided not to support our recommendations, then the Government will be shelving the position and leave the 2004 Act in place."
