Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples is rejecting criticism of the way the Marine and Coastal Area Bill is being handled.
The Maori Affairs Select Committee this week reported the bill back to parliament unchanged.
Committee members from Labour, the Green Party and ACT say they were denied a proper chance to consider the legislation. Te Tai Tokerau MP Hone Harawira is expected to vote against it.
Dr Sharples told Waatea News that once amendments are made at Parliament's committee stage, the bill will be a suitable replacement for the Labour Government's Foreshore and Seabed Act.
He said iwi support for the bill seems to be about 50:50.
