A key change in the Bill would create a new ratings framework giving councils the power to remove rates arrears on unoccupied and unused Maori freehold land once owners demonstrated their commitment to developing the land.
This would effectively create a clean slate for landowners who are keen to develop their whenua but are currently lumbered with historic debt.
The reforms also call for non-rating of Maori land that is unoccupied and unused.
Councils would also remove the 2ha limit for non-rating of marae and urupa and not rate whenua subject to Nga Whenua Rahui covenants.
The reforms would also create a new framework for the valuation of Maori land for rating purposes to take into account unique circumstances, such as multiple ownership, issues of sale, sites of significance and the social, cultural and general heritage connections to the land.
