May 07, 2018
Iwi Leaders’ filter not needed
Crown Maori Relations Minister Kelvin Davis says the Government is open to working with any Maori group or organisation, and it doesn't need that engagement to be filtered through the Iwi Leaders Forum.
Mr Davis was in Tamaki Makaurau yesterday for the latest of a series of hui to determine what Maori expect from the new portfolio.
He says it was valuable to hear for the first time from urban Maori, who feel cut off from theier iwi and want to engage with the crown directly.
He also heard from supporters of the New Zealand Maori Council who argue for a continuing role for that structure, which has a unique advantage of having statutory recognition.
That's different to what he hears from members of the Iwi Leaders Forum, who want to be the main interface with the crown.
"I'm not hearing it from flaxroots people. If they belong to a Maori organisation such as the Maori Women's Welfare League, they want to have a relationship directly with the crown. If they belong to Te Runanganui o Nga Kura Kaupapa they want a relationship with us directly, they don't want to be filtered through, so there is a bit of tension there and it's something for Maori to sort out themselves rather than the crown," Mr Davis says.
The Government is willing to engage with any Maori organisation where their priorities align.
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