27 Oct 2014

Waikato-Tainui to review its structure

8:07 am on 27 October 2014

The co-chairperson of a major referendum on how Waikato-Tainui is run is urging people in the tribe to vote.

Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta said the iwi is changing its internal structure, so it can work more efficiently.

Ms Mahuta said the aim of the review was to improve outcomes for its commercial, economic, social, and environmental goals.

She said it was vital members have their say, because the future of the tribe will be influenced considerably by the outcome. The iwi's structure has not been reviewed since it was created 20 years ago.

"It's a significant advancement in terms of taking the gains of our 20 years of experience in post settlement to improve our governance structure, to better determine a way forward."

Voting closes at midday on Wednesday, and the new structure will be adopted in February next year.

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