14 Sep 2011

Bills increase independent Maori stewardship - minister

10:25 am on 14 September 2011

The Associate Minister of Maori Affairs, Georgina te Heuheu, says four new laws will support Maori in handling their assets independently.

The Maori Purposes Bill, the Maori Fisheries Amendment Bill, the Maori Trust Boards Amendment Bill, and Te Ture Whenua Maori Amendment Bill all passed their third and final readings in Parliament on Tuesday.

Mrs te Heuheu says the bills represent a transition from Government involvement in the affairs of private Maori entities.

She says that will support the increasing independence of Maori in the stewardship of their assets and give them the opportunity to enhance their relationship with their beneficiaries.