May 24, 2019
Overhaul for Māori Land Court
The Government has announced a $56 million investment in Māori land development over the next four years.
Māori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta says its focus is on stimulating social and economic development through the 1.4 million hectares of whenua Māori that remains in Maori freehold title.
The funding in next week’s budget is to implement the Whenua Māori programme announced in February.
It will go towards regional on-the-ground advisory services in Te Tai Tokerau, Waiāriki and Te Tairāwhiti; the creation of a Whenua Knowledge Hub and website; new and enhanced services for the Māori Land Court; the modernisation of the Māori Land Court information systems and support for legislative amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993.
Justice Minister Andrew Little says amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 will be introduced into Parliament later this year focused on simplifying the succession process, establishing a dispute resolution mechanism and improving services in the Māori Land Court.
There will also be a new tikanga-focused dispute resolution service offered as an alternate to the court.
Copyright © 2019, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com