April 03, 2017
Complex bill not solving real land problems
A legal expert says the Government has failed to make the case the existing Te Ture Whenua Maori Act is at the heart of the problems Maori have with using their land.
Otago University law professor Jacinta Ruru was one of a number of leading academics and lawyers who signed an open letter calling on the Government to delay the bill, which was reported back to Parliament on Friday.
She says the package is complex and unweildy.
It has also been subject to multiple changes and additions, and the final version to go to parliament in committee is not the same as was discussed in the select committee.
That contrasts with the Act it replaces, which after 20 years of consultation was passed in 1993 with unanimous support.
"While there has been a long process of consultation, at many of those hui there have been resolutions passed by Maori landowners saying 'we don't understand why this law is coming through and we don't understand if it is actually going to address the issues that are problematic with Maori land," Professor Ruru says.
She says parts of the reform are excellent such as new mediation options and a concentration on tikanga Maori,
FULL INTERVIEW WITH PROFESSOR JACINTA RURU
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