Hui to address reform of whenua law

Te Ururoa Flavell says it's essential iwi, hapu and whanau Maori are informed and engaged in the Te Ture Whenua Maori Act consultation.

Changes that make it easier for Maori land owners to use and develop their whenua will be the focus of discussions at a Rotorua hui.

Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 [Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993] is being reviewed and a consultation hui will be held at Te Papaiouru marae on Tuesday, June 9.

Consultation has taken place throughout the review and proposed reform of Te Ture Whenua Maori. Maori landowners are now being asked to give feedback on the draft Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill to ensure it is workable and reflects their aspirations.

"The reform of Te Ture Whenua Maori is a landmark for Aotearoa New Zealand," Waiariki MP, co-leader of the Maori Party and the Maori Development Minister, Te Ururoa Flavell, said.

"It is essential that iwi, hapu and whanau Maori are informed and engaged in this reform.

"It is the culmination of 40 years of advocacy by Maori for greater tino rangatiratanga over their whenua, while ensuring that land is safeguarded and retained as a taonga tuku iho for future generations."

The review of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993 is part of a Maori land reform programme, which also includes offering practical support for Maori land owners. A new $12.8 million Te Ture Whenua Maori Network to help improve Maori land productivity was announced in the Budget recently.

Maori land owners can make oral and written submission on the bill by July 3.

-For a copy of the draft Te Ture Whenua Maori Bill and more details on the consultation hui, go online to www.tpk.govt.nz/te-ture-whenua.