Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 Review Discussion Document


Today, the government released Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 Review Discussion Document. This document sets out the findings and recommendations of the panel established to look at ways of improving Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993, which is the central piece of legislation that governs the administration of Māori land.  The discussion document seeks feedback on five key propositions:

Proposition 1: Utilisation of Māori land should be able to be determined by a majority of engaged owners
An engaged owner is defined as an owner who has actively demonstrated their commitment to their ownership interest by exercising a vote either in person or by proxy or nominee. Engaged owners should be able to make decisions (excluding sale or other permanent disposition) without the need for endorsement by the Māori Land Court.

Proposition 2: All Māori land should be capable of utilisation and effective administration
Where owners are either not engaged or are unable to be located, an external manager
or administrator may be appointed to manage under-utilised Māori land. The Māori Land Court should have a role in approving the appointment and retaining oversight of external administrators.

Proposition 3: Māori land should have effective, fit for purpose, governance
The duties and obligations of trustees and other governance bodies who administer or manage Māori land should be aligned with the laws that apply to general land and corporate bodies. There should be greater consistency in the rules and processes associated with various types of governance structures.

Proposition 4: There should be an enabling institutional framework to support owners of Māori land to make decisions and resolve any disputes
Disputes relating to Māori land should be referred to mediation in the first instance. Where the dispute remains unresolved following mediation, it may be determined by the Māori Land Court.

Proposition 5: Excessive fragmentation of Māori land should be discouraged.
Succession to Māori land should be simplified. A register should be maintained to record the names and whakapapa of all interests in Māori land, regardless of size.

The discussion document is available here.  There is to be a round of consultation hui on this document through April and May.  Written submissions are due on 17 May 2013, and can be sent to TTWMA@tpk.govt.nz or Te Ture Whenua Maori Act Review Panel, c/o Te Puni Kokiri, PO Box 3943, Wellington.