Published in: Kokiri Issue 30 - Hui-tanguru 2014
There will be no changes made to the Māori Community Development Act 1962 in respect of the New Zealand Māori Council, but further work will be undertaken next year with key stakeholders on future arrangements for the Māori Wardens, including exploring models of establishing a stand-alone entity, Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples announced in December 2013.
“Fifty-one years after the Act was passed, the New Zealand Māori Council still has a role to play in Māori community development,” said Dr Sharples. “No changes will be made to the Māori Community Development Act 1962 in respect of the New Zealand Māori Council.”
His announcement follows public consultation on the law that established the Council. Recommended by the Māori Affairs Select Committee, the consultation saw 20 public hui take place across New Zealand throughout September, with written submissions accepted as well.
Dr Sharples said while parts of the Act need updating, more than 1200 submissions were received during the consultation with the majority supporting the retention of the New Zealand Māori Council.
“The overwhelming view was that the New Zealand Māori Council should remain and provide services in Māori communities. The Council has also advised me that it is currently rejuvenating its structure. I have taken those views on board, and Cabinet has agreed there would be no changes to the Act in respect of the New Zealand Māori Council,” said Dr Sharples.
The key themes from the consultation were: that the New Zealand Māori Council should remain; while there were differing views about whether there should be an independent standalone entity to support Māori Wardens; or whether responsibility should remain with District Māori Councils.
A 2010 inquiry by the Māori Affairs Committee recommended Government seek feedback and undertake a comprehensive public consultation on its future. This consultation was an opportunity for people to tell Government what changes, if any, were needed to this Act. The photos here were taken at the hui during September and October 2013.