Call For Maori Ombudsman

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31498, 12 October 1967, Page 1

Call For Maori Ombudsman

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, October 11.

The Maori Affairs Committee of Parliament was told today it should be abolished and replaced by. a Maori Ombudsman who would review Maori petitions presented to Parliament on unsatisfied and inequitably adjusted Maori land claims.

This was the view of the Association of Maori University Graduates contained in a 25-page submission presented tb the committee.

The committee was continuing its hearing of submissions on the Maori Affairs Amendment Bill which deals with fragmentation of Maori land titles, uneconomic interests, Maori land incorporations and the promotion and better use of Maori land. Petitions presented to Parliament on behalf of Maoris are considered by the Maori Affairs Committee. Mr D. Sinclair, of Hamilton, who presented the submission, said the Maori Ombudsman would make the assessment in terms of cash if any deficiency could be proved rather than displace established occupiers of land in consequence of the new decision. Dr Sinclair said that the “failure rate” of Maori petitions to Parliament bad been too high in the past, and before all Maori land claims were rendered void by legislation, this last chance should be offered those who considered themselves aggrieved. The chairman of the committee, Mr A McCready, told Mr Sinclair that very, very rarely did any petition presented to Parliament "come out on top.”

Mr Sinclair said that a Maori Ombudsman was sug-

gested by the association because that would be the easiest way of replacing the committee.

“There are a large number of important and valid Maori land claims unsettled today. To. wipe those out just by passing a law would be lamentable,” he said. Mr Sinclair said the Maori University Graduates’ Association felt the present Maori Affairs Act had many worthwhile features in it, but the association recommended a fresh start to the Maori Affairs Amendment Bill.