A Maori tribe is coming under fire for claiming the airspace above a lake used for recreation purposes.

The Ngati Tuwharetoa Tribe has ownership of Lake Taupo and the beds of its tributaries. Under an agreement with the government, the tribe receives half of fees imposed on boat ramps, trout fishing, charter boats and other commercial operations.

Now the tribe says it is entitled to fees that would cover floatplane landings, bungy jumping and bridges over rivers. Negotiations have begun over a possible deal with the government.

But the leader of the National party says the claim is "PC nonsense." Don Brash says Maoris are dividing the nation.

Get the Story:
Brash attacks tribe's claim to airspace (Stuff.com 10/7)
Row grows over Taupo airspace (NZ City 10/7)
Tribe: Pay us for air rights (The New Zealand Herald 10/7)
Maori Lay Claim Over Lake Airspace (NewstalkZB News 10/7)