MEDIA STATEMENT
Monday 22 February 2016

Te Ture Whenua Maori Reforms will enhance utilisation of Māori land

“The current Te Ture Whenua Maori reform is about nurturing and better utilising Maori freehold land for future generations” says FOMA’s TTWM Technical Advisory Group chair Liz Mellish.

Despite earlier concerns regarding some elements of the reforms, FOMA has since worked alongside the TTWM Ministerial Advisory Group, Crown officials and other key Maori partner groups to resolve any potential issues and ensure that the best outcomes possible can be derived from the reforms.

With more than 150 members, FOMA is the largest representative grouping of Māori freehold land owners who will be impacted by the reforms. Its members have extensive governance and Māori freehold land management experience which has proved useful in assisting the government during the reform process.

“The latest iteration of the draft Te Ture Whenua Bill reflects the changes our members have asked for. This was achieved through the unique process, championed by the Minister, of releasing an early exposure draft of the Bill followed by constructive debate and dialogue by FOMA with Crown officials” says Acting Chief Operating Officer Anaru Smiler

“We have been pleased with this process and we look forward to continuing this constructive dialogue as the Bill and other areas of the reforms are worked on over the coming weeks and months”

ENDS

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