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August 26, 2013
Law revamp seen as threat to Māori council role
Waatea Team
Posted On August 26, 2013
The New Zealand Māori Council is crying foul over the Government’s review of the Māori Community Development Act.
Māori Affairs Minister, Pita Sharples, has announced a series of nationwide consultation hui next month to discuss changes to the 1963 Act, which provides the legal framework for the council and for Māori wardens.
Co-chairs Sir Taihakurei Durie and Maanu Paul say the council is challenging Crown action on a number of issues including rights to water, the radio spectrum, the benefits of the Crown Forestry Rental Trust, citizenship and electoral rights, as well as the way police and Te Puni Kokiri have taken control of the Māori wardens.
They say the timing of the hui and the exclusion of the Council as a partner in the consultation process, puts at risk its work of advocating for, and protecting Māori communities.
Sir Taihakurei and Mr Paul are encouraging supporters to attend the hui and to also relay their views to the Council.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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