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The Māori Purposes Bill and changes to the Māori Trust Boards Act 1955

Public submissions are currently being sought on the Māori Purposes Bill which amends various Acts relating to Māori affairs, including the Māori Trust Boards Act 1955. 

The Current Situation

Currently, Māori Trust Boards are accountable to the Minister of Māori Affairs for their financial arrangements.  They are required to:

  • Have their financial statements audited by the Auditor-General;
  • Receive their audited accounts from the Auditor-General via the Minister of Māori Affairs, who can comment on them; and
  • Send their annual budget and other financial information to the Minister of Māori Affairs for approval.

Changes Proposed by the Māori Purposes Bill

The changes proposed by the Māori Purposes Bill are intended to make Māori Trust Boards more directly accountable to their beneficiaries, rather than to the Minister of Māori Affairs.  These changes include:

  • Māori Trust Boards must hold Annual General Meetings to report to their beneficiaries and to present audited annual accounts and budgets;
  • Māori Trust Boards must have their financial accounts audited by an auditor who is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants or a recognised overseas qualified auditor;
  • The Minister of Māori Affairs is no longer required to approve Māori Trust Boards’ annual budgets; and
  • The Minister of Māori Affairs will still be able to direct an investigation into the affairs of a Māori Trust Board. This provides a means for beneficiaries to be able to raise concerns.

Your Opinion on the Proposed Changes

The Māori Affairs Committee will consider submissions on the Māori Purposes Bill. The closing date for submissions is 4 March.

Submissions are written and can be made online. You can also ask to speak to the Committee. Information on how to make a submission can be found at:

http://www.parliament.nz/en-NZ/AboutParl/GetInvolved/Submission/a/9/8/00CLOOCHvYrSaySubmission1-How-to-make-a-submission.htm

A copy of the Māori Purposes Bill is available at http://legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2010/0234/latest/versions.aspx.
 
If you would like assistance making a submission, feel free to phone us on 0800 729 529 for a relaxed and confidential initial chat.