FOMA encourages members to attend hui

The Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA) is encouraging its members and all Māori land owners to attend the upcoming Crown hui to ensure they are informed about proposed changes to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act (TTWM).

The Government has committed to repealing Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 (‘TTWM’) following acceptance of Te Ture Whenua Māori 1993 Review Panel recommendations.

Over the next three weeks, Te Puni Kōkiri officials and a Māori technical working party will hold 19 hui across the motu, starting in Auckland tomorrow.

Chief executive Te Horipo Karaitiana says it is important that changes to the legislation provide the best possible structure to support the optimisation of Māori land.

“FOMA supports the reform of TTWM in so far as we hope it will lead to better outcomes for our members and the whole Māori agribusiness sector.

“There is huge potential in Māori land and we look forward to working with whoever leads the next Government to help land owners realise that potential.

“We believe there are some critical questions that need addressing, such as why the Crown is rushing the process and why there is no policy document available for Māori land owners to consider prior to these hui.

“Some of the proposals currently being talked about could result in significant costs, particularly for smaller entities. So we encourage land owners to take part in the process,” says Mr Karaitiana.

FOMA members will have additional opportunities to comment, either through FOMA’s engagement process or during the Government consultation/select committee phase, on the draft Bill. While FOMA is encouraging members and Māori land owners to take up this opportunity to attend, these hui will not be the only opportunity to have input.

FOMA has a representative on the technical panel who is currently working with Te Puni Kōkiri on the proposed new Bill and will carefully consider any recommendations resulting from the hui.

FOMA will provide regular updates to its members through its website www.federation.maori.nz and will deliver its recommendations to the National Conference in September.

ENDS

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