May 27, 2015
Consultations start of land law reform
Consultation hui start next week on a major overhaul of Maori land law that the Government says will make it easier for Maori land owners to use and develop their whenua,
But some critics including a Maori Land Court judge says claims of problems with the existing law are overstated, and the supposed economic benefits of the change are also being questioned.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says the bill is the culmination of 40 years of advocacy by Maori for greater tino rangatiratanga over their whenua while ensuring that land is safeguarded and retained as a taonga tuku iho for future generations.
It will allow Maori land owners to make decisions without needing Maori Land Court approval.
He says the review of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 is part of a Maori land reform programme which also includes offering practical support for Maori land owners.
A new $12.8 million Te Ture Whenua Maori Network to support targeted initiatives to improve the productivity of Maori land was announced in last week's Budget.
A Price Waterhouse Coopers study estimated Maori land was producing $6 billion less than its potential, but it would need at least $2 billion in fresh investment to unlock that potential.
The consultation hui start in Auckland next Tuesday, and people can make can make oral and written submission on the Bill by July 3.
For a copy of the draft Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill and more details on the consultation hui, go online towww.tpk.govt.nz/te-ture-whenua
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