Maori land tribunal urged

Press, 25 February 1978, Page 2

Maori land tribunal urged

P. Wellington The Labour member of Parliament for Northern Maori (Mr M. Rata) has called for the establishment of an impartial tribunal to hear disputes over Maori land rights. This could be done through an expansion of the powers and functions of the Treaty of Waitangi tribunal, he said. "The recent disputes over

Bastion Point and the land at Raglan are only two examples of the problem that runs right through New Zealand, from the far north, Orakei, Thames, Taranaki, through to Southland,” Mr Rata said. “TL e s e long-standing grievances can no longer be ignored. The Government must realise that it can no longer continue to act as both interested party, and judge and jury.

“Many of these cases represent a genuine ‘debt of honour’ to the Maori people. They must be handled in the best spirit of natural justice, and in a way which will restore faith in the judicial system. “The only possible answer is an impartial, independent tribunal, able to hear submissions from Maori people, from the Crown, or any other party, and

recommend appropriate settlements. “I am deeply concerned: that unless this is done, the ! relationship of New! Zealanders could be needlessly aggravated over ! the coming years. We are all l victims of our own history. | “The challenge is for present generations to ( rectify past mistakes, and i build for the future on a! relationship of mutual ! respect,” Mr Rata said.