Chris Finlayson

Wellington, March 17 NZPA - Maori who were given title to Wellington's Pencarrow Lakes are going to have to explain to the Government why they are trying to ban duck shooters.

A Treaty of Waitangi settlement last year gave Taranaki iwi control of the lakes, with public access guaranteed.

But duck shooter John Martin received a letter two weeks ago telling him and his mates the shooting season at the lakes was over because it was against the protection and preservation practices of the iwi, TV3 News reported tonight.

"I just think it's quite sickening really," he said.

"They don't give you the opportunity to put your case."

The iwi said in a statement it wasn't banning access, just duck shooting.

Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson said he would have thought that reasonable access for duck shooters was preserved in the settlement.

He said he was looking at the situation and would meet iwi representatives later this week.