Youth Voice Lost In Māori Land Reforms

15 October 2015
Press release: Pito Project

A group of young Māori say they are worried that their voice will be lost in the Māori land reform process.

Earlier this year, Minister Te Ururoa Flavell released the draft text of Te Ture Whenua Māori Reform Bill that will reform the way Māori land is owned, governed and sold. It is expected to be introduced to Parliament for its first reading in early 2016.

"Young and urban Māori don't know what is going on," says Daniel Haines, a spokesperson for the group. He says the consultation documents and hui organised by the Minister have raised more questions than answers.

"We have organised our own hui and invited academics, lawyers and other interested people to help us understand the changes," says Mr. Haines.

The group is calling for the Minister to meet with young people before the Bill is introduced to the House.

"We want to help the Minister, because we need a durable law that works for our kids, and theirs," says Mr. Haines.

The discussion hui is at 6pm on Monday 19 October, Waipapa Marae (University of Auckland) and is open to the public.

ENDS

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