Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones. Photo: NZ HeraldA $100 million fund to support Māori land development in the regions is the Government stepping in where banks fear to tread, Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. Bridges agreed that Māori land was not being used well, but said overhauling the RMA was the key. Reforming the law would mean taxpayers wouldn't need to become the bank of last resort for Māori land development, he said. He said there was great potential to use Māori land for viticulture, kiwifruit and general property development, but $100m was only enough to "scratch the surface" for a few projects.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 03, 2019 23:26 UTC