Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

PM doesn't believe Te Puni Kokiri needs more power

Updated at 9:15 pm on 2 May 2012

Prime Minister John Key does not think the Ministry of Maori Development, Te Puni Kokiri, needs more power, but should focus more on issues such as the economy, housing and health.

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples on Wednesday announced a review of the agency, which he says will strengthen and refocus it.

Dr Sharples says he wants to get more policy advice from Te Puni Kokiri and also for other government departments to consult with it more on policy and legislation.

He wants Te Puni Kokiri to have more input into papers to the Cabinet.

However, Mr Key says the review has to happen first.

He says while the agency works with the big ministries that deal with education and health, there will not be any siphoning of their funding to Te Puni Kokiri.

The review by a four-member panel is due to be completed by mid-July.

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