The most contentious piece of legislation the Labour-led government has put forward, has finally passed.
The Foreshore and Seabed Bill passed by 66 votes to 53 with the support of New Zealand First.
The legislation asserts Crown ownership over the foreshore and seabed and sets up a system for recognising Maori customary rights.
Parliament has been in urgency for the past three days for an at-times impassioned and heated debate.
About 60 protesters, both Maori and Pakeha, gathered behind security gates at parliament on Thursday afternoon.
The protesters say they are now considering direct action to oppose the legislation which could include beach occupations as well as blockades of authorities that administer activities on the foreshore and seabed.
Far North iwi Ngati Kahu have taken their opposition to the legislation further saying it will ignore the legislation.
A spokesperson for Ngati Kahu, Margaret Mutu, says the legislation has totally marginalised Maori and says Ngati Kahu has already issued notice to the government and local authorities that the law will not be implemented in its district.
Mutu says Ngati Kahu has issued public notices telling people that all decisions regarding the foreshore and seabed will be made by the iwi.
Government MP Nanaia Mahuta, who opposed the legislation in its early stages, changed her vote.
The Tainui MP voted for the legislation during its final reading. She says her decision to support the government is pure pragmatism and a political judgement.
Mahuta
also revealed she will not seek a place on Labour's list at the
next election, but will let Tainui voters decide whether she
returns to parliament.
