February 09, 2016
Ministers frosty at tribunal warning
The Waitangi Tribunal’s criticism of consultation surrounding Maori land law reform hasn’t gone down well with the ministers responsible.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell and his associate, Attorney General Chris Finlayson, both say there has been extensive consultation on Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill.
Mr Finlayson says there has been four years of consultation and multiple exposure drafts of the bill, amounting to a glut of consultation.
Mr Flavell says significant changes were as a result of written submissions and feedback from nationwide hui.
In a draft chapter of its report released on Friday, the Waitangi Tribunal found an earlier consultation round only came up to standard after it was extended because of protests not enough time had been given for submissions.
It says much of the consultation has been in secret with select groups like the Federation of Maori Authorities and the Iwi Chairs Forum, and there is not as yet sufficient Maori support for the bill to proceed.
Ikaroa Rawhiti MP Meka Whaitiri says Mr Flavell is showing a lack of respect for the tribunal by continuing to post new versions of the bill without waiting for the Waitangi Tribunal to complete its report.
Another round of information hui on the bill started today in Auckland, with a hui tonight in Hamilton and tomorrow in Taupo and Rotorua.
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