Meka

WHAITIRI

Associate Primary Industry Spokesperson

15 September 2015 MEDIA STATEMENT

Maori Party’s Land Law Slammed By Judges

The Maori Party must explain why it’s ruining Maori land reforms designed to kick start billion dollar opportunities for Maori, says Labour’s Associate Primary Industry spokesperson Meka Whaitiri.

“I am not surprised a major rewrite of the Maori land law has been slammed by the judges who will administer any new legislation.

“The Maori Land Court judges say those who drafted the bill don’t seem to understand how the existing Act even works in practice.

“This is a big blow to the Minister of Maori Development and the Maori Party’s reform agenda.

“This would’ve been a big ticket deal for Maori land owners but it seems the Minister has just made it worse.

“The Maori land law reform was supposed to enhance protection of Maori land as taonga tuku iho, simplify processes and empower Maori landowners but the draft bill doesn’t achieve any of that.

“The judges are saying the bill in its current form shouldn’t proceed and is technically deficient.

“This shows the Minister isn’t up to the job and Chris Finlayson needs to take over,” says Meka Whaitiri.

© Scoop Media