Government consulting on Māori Community Development Act 1962
Thu 05 Sep 2013
The Māori Community Development Act, passed in 1962, established the Māori Council (supported by three levels of Māori Associations), Māori ...
The Māori Community Development Act, passed in 1962, established the Māori Council (supported by three levels of Māori Associations), Māori Wardens and Community Officers.
In response to an Māori Affairs Committee inquiry into the Act, comprehensive public consultation and feedback is being sought to guide the Act's future. Inquiry report recommendations included:
- re-evaluating the role of the New Zealand Māori Council
- establishing an independent organisation responsible for the governance and administration of Māori Wardens
- repealing provisions in the act for Community Officers - noting they have not existed for 20 years
- comprehensively consulting with Māori before making any changes to the Act.
Throughout September, 19 consultation hui will be held across New Zealand Aotearoa and written feedback can be submitted directly to the consultation team. Fact Sheets and the Māori Community Development Act 1962 Discussion Paper are available on the Te Puni Kōkiri website to stimulate discussion on the recommended areas for change.
Māori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples says “It’s time for Māori to have a say on the Act’s future, the role of pan Māori organisations and Māori community development in general.”
Hui began on 3 September 2013 in Northland. More information regarding upcoming hui can be found on the Te Puni Kōkiri website. Consultation closes on 30 September 2013 at 5pm.
Media:
'Government consults on Māori Community Development Act 1962', Te Puni Kōkiri, 20.08.2013
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