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Te Puni Kokiri officials have come under fire at hui called to consult on the Maori Economic Development Act.
Policy director Kim Ngarimu told a hui at Auckland’s Orakei Marae yesterday there were no plans to abolish the New Zealand Maori Council, but the law governing it is 50 years old and needs updating to reflect today’s Maori communities.
Auckland District Maori Council chair Titewhai Harawira says it should be the job of the Maori Council to change its act, but instead it had been kept out. She says Maoridom still needs a national body that can stand up for Maori rights on behalf of all Maori.
Titewhai Harawira also opposed a proposal to take oversight of Maori wardens away from district Maori Councils. Wardens at the hui also questioned the quality of the service they were getting from Te Puni Kokiri and backed the council.
There is another consultation hui this morning at Te Puea Marae in Mangere.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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