News flash for Māori land trusts and incorporations!

A paper recently released as part of 19 consultation hui held around the country to support the drafting of the Bill to amend Te Ture Whenua Māori Act 1993 proposes the establishment of a new governance body called Rangatopu to administer Māori freehold land.

Significantly, the paper proposes that existing Māori land trusts and incorporations become Rangatopu within a transition period of three years.  The identified transition steps include:

1. Applying for provisional registration;
2. Reviewing the trust order or constitution;
3. Applying for full registration.

No rationale has been provided for this proposal and if confirmed will force all existing Māori land trusts and incorporations to fit in to the new model.  This will be of concern to many existing Māori land trusts and incorporations, particularly in circumstances where they are currently operating successfully.

If confirmed it will also likely result in Māori land trusts and incorporations having to meet the additional costs and expense involved in the transition including those associated with reviewing the trust order or constitution.

Given the significance of the proposed changes it is important that governors of Māori land trusts and incorporations have their say before any changes are implemented.

We are available to help you with the drafting of your submissions.

CALL US TOLL FREE ON 0800 729 529