An auditor-general report in 2011 found that “despite good intentions, the process to build a house on Māori land is fraught”. Banks were also reluctant to accept Māori land as security for a loan. She believes two jurisdictions clash – the Resource Management Act giving councils authority to issue subdivision consents, and Te Ture Whenua Māori Act giving the Māori Land Court power to divide land between multiple owners. Amendments to Te Ture Whenua Māori Act come into effect today, Waitangi Day, that will make building for Māori cheaper, faster, and hopefully, less stressful. The Māori Land Court’s purpose has changed from easing the process of acquiring Māori land to recognising it as taonga to be kept within whānau and hapū.

Source: Stuff February 05, 2021 16:02 UTC