Govt wants feedback on Maori land

The Government is keen to unlock the economic potential of Maori land for its owners and wants feedback on proposals to promote that.

One proposal would let most owners decide how land was used. Others would seek to avoid fragmenting the land and ensure it had effective governance.

Overall, they would put management back in the hands of the owners, and only involve the Maori Land Court if land was to be sold or alienated long term.

The proposed changes are outlined in a discussion document available in the consultation section of the Te Puni Kokiri website, www.tpk.govt.nz A consultation meeting about the proposals was held in Wanganui on May 2.

Associate Maori Affairs Minister Chris Finlayson initiated a review of the 1993 Te Ture Whenua Maori Act which governs Maori land and the workings of the Maori Land Court. The review aims to unlock the land's economic potential, while ensuring it is passed on to future generations and keeps its cultural significance.

The total amount of Maori land is 1.42 million ha, 5 per cent of the country's area, and a 2011 report by the then Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said 80 per cent of it was not performing to full economic potential.

The deadline for submissions on the proposed changes has been extended to June 14. Submissions can by emailed to TTWMA@tpk.govt.nz or posted to Te Ture Whenua Maori Act Review Panel, c/o TPK, PO Box 3943, Wellington.