The Māori Development Minister, Te Ururoa Flavell, intends to allow more time to develop the Ture Whenua Māori Bill within an expanded work programme, which is aimed at realising the utilisation of Māori land.
Before the bill goes before the House early next year, Flavell is determined to ensure the legislation and proposals are right.
He says "My aim is to ensure the reforms make it easier for Māori landowners to use their land, while at the same time ensuring the retention of the whenua, he says.
“My Advisory Group, Te Puni Kōkiri and other Crown agencies involved have identified that we need to develop further proposals for the Māori Land Service and the Ture Whenua Network to come in line with the Bill. I agree this is what we need to do.”
The Māori Land Service's main intention is to provide support and advice to landowners as well as governing bodies. The Network will, however, consider issues like landlocked land and valuation.
"Utilisation of Māori land depends on the decisions and actions of landowners and their governance bodies, as well as access to advice, resources and a supportive regulatory system. My aim in the end is to deliver on this,” says Flavell.