February 02, 2016
Maori land bill tweaked in face of dissent
The crown is pushing ahead with its fast track timetable to rewrite Maori land law, releasing a new version of Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill even as the Waitangi Tribunal is preparing a report on whether the previous draft is in line with treaty principles.
Maori Development Minister Te Ururoa Flavell says he will introduce the bill into parliament next month.
He says the new draft posted on the Te Puni Kokiri website on Friday has been changed to reflect the written submissions and feedback from nationwide hui last year.
A proposal to allow government officials to appoint kaiwhakarite or external managers for unutilised Maori land has been dropped,
Existing Maori trusts and incorporations will have the option to continue operating as the same entity, rather than having to switch to the new and untested rangatopu governance structure.
Mr Flavell says the safeguards around retaining Maori freehold land have been strengthened.
He says the reforms will make decision-making by land owners easier and more efficient.
A series of information hui to explain the changes will be held around the country in February, starting next Tuesday morning at the Auckland Airport Holiday Inn in Mangere and the Kingsgate Hotel in Hamilton.
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