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The New Zealand Maori Council says it’s clear Te Puni Kokiri is struggling with the processing of warrants for Maori wardens.
Des Ratima, who is the council’s deputy chair with responsibility for wardens, says the issue has come up repeatedly at consultation hui on the review of the Maori Community Development Act, which regulated the council and the wardens.
He says in response the council’s wardens committee has developed standard processes that district Maori councils can use to facilitate the warranting and re-appointment of their Maori wardens.
He says the turn around time for warrants in the Takitimu region is now down to about two weeks.
The council is fighting to maintain its authority over wardens, and is considering a legal challenge to Te Puni Kokiri’s takeover of its statutory role.
Copyright © 2013, UMA Broadcasting Ltd
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