9 Jun 2009

Call to free Maori wardens from ministry control

4:45 pm on 9 June 2009

Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples should back his call for Maori wardens to show more independence by freeing them from the clutches of the Ministry of Maori Affairs, says the New Zealand Maori Council.

Council spokesperson Maanu Paul says the previous Labour government made a huge mistake in putting the wardens under ministry management.

Mr Pauls says Labour tried to circumvent the New Zealand Maori Council, which is responsible for Maori wardens under the 1962 Community Development Act.