Controversial legislation to give Environment BOP a separate Maori constituency will continues with a parliamentary select committee in Whakatane next week.
The bill has attracted 215 written submissions from around the country as iwi groups, local authorities and other interested groups follow its progress through parliament.
Next Wednesday the Justice and Electoral Committee is expected to hear about 40 oral submissions on the bill at a public hearing at Environment BOP offices in Whakatane.
If passed by parliament the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Maori Constituency Empowering) Bill will allow Environment BOP to establish Maori seats on its council.
The number of Maori wards will depend on the number of people on the Maori roll in the region.
Introduced by Labour's Waiariki MP Mita Ririnui, the bill is now being examined by the Justice and Electoral Committee after passing its first reading in parliament in early September.
There is huge interest in the bill from other local authorities around the country, who were assessing possible ramifications to them should the bill be passed by parliament.
- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES
BOP Maori to put case for separate seats
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