17 Dec 2008

Rights to natural resources a challenge, Govt told

10:13 am on 17 December 2008

The Maori Affairs Minister has been told natural resource claims, completing historical settlements and raising Maori achievement levels are among the challenges ahead.

The minister, Pita Sharples, says Te Puni Kokiri is warning its work on treaty settlements is putting pressure on the ministry's baseline resources.

Briefing papers to the minister from Te Puni Kokiri say property rights to natural resources are emerging as an increasing challenge to the relationship between Crown and Maori, and some clear and consistent frameworks will need to be developed.

The ministry is recommending several bills which were not passed by the last Parliament be put back on the order paper, including one to separate the Maori Trust Office from the ministry.