Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Māori Affairs
Government consults on Māori Community Development Act 1962
The first comprehensive public consultation on the Māori Community Development Act since it was passed more than 50
years ago will take place throughout September, Māori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples announced today.
Dr. Pita Sharples said “the Māori Community Development Act 1962 had its genesis in a national conference of Māori
leaders – 51-years on Māori people are being consulted on its future.”
“Government wants feedback from Māori communities and other stakeholders. Nineteen consultation hui will be held across
Aotearoa, and written feedback can also be emailed or sent direct to our consultation team,” said Dr Sharples.
In 1962 the Māori Community Development Act set up three mechanisms to support Māori community development; the New
Zealand Māori Council (supported by three levels of Māori Associations), Māori Wardens and Community Officers. A 2010
inquiry into the Act by the Māori Affairs Committee recommended Government seek feedback and undertake a comprehensive
public consultation on its future.
“It’s time for Māori to have a say on the Act’s future, the role of pan Māori organisations and Māori community
development in general,” said Dr Sharples.
The first hui will be held on Tuesday 3 September 2013 at Te Paatu Marae, Kaitaia. Further details about venues, dates
and times can be found in the attached documents or at www.tpk.govt.nz. Those who are unable to attend hui can email or
freepost their feedback before Monday 30 September 2013 at 5pm.
ENDS