An estimated 15,000 Maoris marched on the capitol of Wellington, New Zealand, to protest a bill that would terminate their rights to the coastline.

The government introduced the bill to declare the land public property. The bill would prevent the Maoris from asserting any claims to 18,000 kilometers of coastline.

The issue has divided the nation and the administration of Prime Minister Helen Clark, who threatened to fire Maori members of parliament who voted against the party. One Maori quit in protest while another decided to stay with the party.

The bill passed its first reading by a vote of 65-55.

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Ban on Maori land claims divides a nation (The South Australia Advertiser 5/7)