John Paki, Māori Trustee

The Māori Trustee

The Māori Trustee exists:

• To protect and enhance the interests of Māori clients and their resources
• To manage the adverse effects of fragmented and multiple ownership of Māori land and
• To provide fair, proper and prudent administration and management of clients’ assets within the principles and obligations of trusteeship and agency

In helping Māori to manage their land and assets the Māori Trustee:

• Acts either as a trustee or agent for owners of Māori land, usually in leasing the land
• Collects and pays rent and other income to owners
• Invests trust moneys
• Keeps landowners informed about how their land is managed
• Regularly publishes an Unclaimed Moneys List

The Māori Trustee:

• Has been in existence since 1921
• Is now governed by the Māori Trustee Act 1953
• Is independent of the Crown
• Is accountable to landowners and the Māori Land Court

Māori Trustee: Proposed Changes

During 2007 the Government consulted with Māori about proposals that affect the Māori Trustee. These proposals came out of a review of the Māori Trustee and are intended to ensure that the Māori Trustee is well placed to meet future challenges in its delivery of services to Māori.

Key proposals include: establishing the Māori Trustee as a stand-alone organisation, separate from Te Puni Kōkiri; requiring the Māori Trustee to report annually to Parliament; and requiring the Māori Trustee to regularly review and adjust the interest rate paid on funds held in trust, in what is called the Common Fund.

Legislation required to bring about these changes is likely to be introduced to Parliament sometime in 2008.

The Māori Trust Office supports the Māori Trustee and assists him to perform his tasks. The Māori Trustee and General Manager, Māori Trust Office is John Paki.

See also:

• Sir Apirana Ngata Memorial Scholarship
• Māori Trustee Unclaimed Moneys
• Contact the Māori Trust Office

Last modified: 24/04/2008