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National | Aotearoa

Ture Whenua reforms should look at finance - Maanu Paul

Proposed reforms of the Māori Land Act won’t help Māori develop their land without a commercial focus, according to Maanu Paul, the Chair of the Mātaatua Māori Council.

He says Māori still can't finance ventures on Māori land because banks can't take Māori land if the venture fails,” he said.

Mr Paul wants the Government to look at financial assistance for Māori.

“What use are the reforms without this?” he asked.

“I believe the new legislation as it sits now is merely setting up Māori land for big corporations to utilise for their own profit, not ours,” claimed Mr Paul.

Tomorrow (Aug 22) the Māori Affairs Select Committee will hear submissions on the Ture Whenua Bill in Tauranga.