Notice Board - News

Submissions sought on inquiry into operation of Māori Community Development Act

Māori Affairs Select Committee,

The Māori Affairs Committee is calling for submissions on its inquiry into the operation of the Māori Community Development Act 1962 and related issues. The Act focuses primarily on Māori welfare issues and provides for the establishment and functions of the New Zealand Māori Council, District Māori Councils, Māori Executive Committees, and the local Māori Committees. The Act also covers the appointment, roles, and powers of Māori Wardens and Community Officers.

The Māori Community Development Act 1962 was put in place at a time when the Government’s policy in relation to Māori was one of assimilation and integration, and the committee feels it is now timely that this Act be reviewed to reflect the changes that have taken place since that time.

The terms of reference for the broad-based inquiry are to inquire into:

1. the underlying intent and objectives behind the Māori Community Development Act 1962, and to determine what extent they are clear, relevant and consistent with contemporary needs and priorities
2. what “Māori community development” actually means and entails in 2009, whether it is happening now, and what legislative change (if any) is needed to support and enable successful community development today
3. how the functions and structural model of the New Zealand Māori Council and its subsidiary bodies can be improved to better meet the needs and priorities of Māori today
4. how the functions and governance of Māori Wardens can be improved to better meet the needs and interests of Māori today
5. whether Community Officers are appropriate and relevant to the needs and interests of Māori today

“This Act was written in another time. Māori communities are very different to 1962. We want to hear from the people about what should be in this Act and what shouldn’t, to support Māori today,” said Hon Tau Henare, the Māori Affairs Committee Chairperson.

Submissions can be made online at www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/PB/SC/MakeSub or two hardcopies can be forwarded to the Māori Affairs Committee Secretariat, Bowen House, Parliament Buildings, Wellington by Friday, 12 February 2010.

Contact person	Suze Jones
Postal address	Select Committee Office, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Phone	04 817 9506
Email	suze.jones@parliament.govt.nz
Website address	http://www.parliament.govt.nz
Submitted by	Suze Jones