8. MOANA MACKEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Courts
What is he doing to enhance services at the Māori Land Court?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA (Minister of Māori Affairs) Link to this
Last week the refurbished Tai Rāwhiti Māori Land Court was opened by the Minister for Courts. The Tai Rāwhiti Māori Land Court is the fifth Māori Land Court premise to have been substantially refurbished in the past 3 years. The others are at Christchurch, Wellington, Rotorua, and Hastings.
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
The Māori Land Court has benefited from the largest-ever ongoing investment in court facilities, under this Labour-led Government. We have invested in information technology infrastructure, and in access to court records through the Māori Freehold Land Registration Project and Māori Land Online, and work is ongoing on the new geographical information systems project.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
Tēnā koe, Madam Speaker. Kia ora tātou. Does the Minister agree with the comments made by the Labour MP Shane Jones in the Mana article “Māori land: a blessing or a curse” that the Māori Land Court is a relic of colonialism and is set upon maintaining its own perpetuality; and what does he think his colleague meant by such comments?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
I would invite that member to ask him sometime. Certainly, it is both of those things. Like the high performance of my colleague over in France for the rugby, I am certain he has a really clear view on the Māori land issue.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
What progress has been achieved in actioning the recommendations from the Law Commission, Te Ohu Kai Moana, and the Māori Land Court itself that the Māori Land Court should be empowered to resolve, mediate, and determine disputes arising from the receipt and administration of Treaty settlement assets?
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
I certainly can assure that member that, along with Te Ohu Kai Moana and the devolution of the assets, they are doing very well within the framework of the legislation, and are certainly well-minded by that court.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I thought the question was rather specific and asked about the progress. With respect, I do not believe I really got an answer to the question. Would it be appropriate to ask the Minister to have another shot at it, please?
Madam SPEAKERCould the Minister just make a reference to the Law Commission report, which I think was the substance of the question.
Hon PAREKURA HOROMIA Link to this
Several aspects have come out of the Law Commission report, and, certainly, they are being practised in a whole lot of forums, as that member understands.
Te Ururoa Flavell Link to this
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. With respect, the answer really just told me there is a number of reports. We are asking for a little bit more depth to the answer, if that is possible. Could we have another shot, please?