Te Horipo Karaitiana, CEO, Federation of Maori Authotrities. Photo / Duncan Brown
Te Horipo Karaitiana, CEO, Federation of Maori Authotrities. Photo / Duncan Brown
The Federation of Maori Authorities (FOMA) has launched an online survey for its members to seek their views on the proposed changes to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993, and to gain further understanding of what resources are needed to improve Maori land productivity.
Chief executive Te Horipo Karaitiana saidthe survey was an important opportunity to hear first-hand from the people on the ground.
"FOMA wants to make sure that the Government is getting a clear picture of what is happening with Maori land and to hear from the trusts and corporations who will be impacted by changes to Te Ture Whenua Maori (TTWM).
"There is huge opportunity in the Maori agribusiness sector but we need to ensure that new legislation provides a structure that allows for the optimisation of Maori land," said Mr Karaitiana.
"FOMA will support the reform of TTWM, so long as it leads to better outcomes for our members and the whole Maori agribusiness sector."
FOMA has been encouraged by the number of Maori land- owners who have attended the six hui so far. The Government roadshow is being led by Te Puni Kokiri and will travel around the country for the next two weeks.
"It's good to see that Maori landowners are taking a real interest in these hui, as they will all be impacted one way or another by the changes," Mr Karaitiana said.
"Our survey will help bring the voice of Maori land entities into this discussion."
