The Maori Party - formed on a platform of repealing the foreshore and seabed legislation - said yesterday through party president Whatarangi Winiata that the government had agreed to its repeal, with Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia saying a decision on the legislation will be revealed in the next two weeks.

The controversial Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 was enacted following the 2003 Court of Appeal ruling in Ngati Apa v Attorney-General [2003] 3 NZLR 643 that made it possible, in some instances, for Maori customary title to convert into freehold title.

That raised the possibility of parts of the foreshore and seabed coming under Maori control, and fears that public access to beaches could be restricted.

The previous Labour government legislated against the ruling, causing widespread unrest among Maori and the resignation from the Labour Party of Mrs Turia, who went on to form the Maori Party.

The National government appointed a panel to review the Act, which recommended its repeal and suggested that interim legislation should be put in place until the politicians worked out a way to recognise Maori rights to coastal areas.

Mrs Turia told TV One political show "Q and A" that really good progress was being made, though Cabinet was yet to discuss the issue.

Asked if Maori's right to take cases to court would be reinstated Mrs Turia said that had not been determined yet.