Extended powers for Maori tribunal

Press, 28 September 1984, Page 12

Extended powers for Maori tribunal

PA Wellington The Waitangi Tribunal will be given power to look at Maori land claims and other grievances to 1840. This will occur under legislation the Minister of Maori Affairs, Mr Wetere, hopes to introduce next year, according to a Wellington report. In its election policy, the Government promised to make the tribunal a primary investigator and arbiter of grievances, with power to look at claims back to the signing of the Treaty of

Waitangi. x Mr Wetere said he did not know whether the changes to legislation would bring a flood of claims, or result in handing to Maori owners large blocks of land or compensation.

“I would not like to prejudge,” he said. Two claims are before the tribunal and seven more, mostly on land issues, await hearings. Retrospective powers and expanded resources for the tribunal were a major reco-

mendation of the national hui on the Treaty of Waitangi, at Turangawaewae marae, 10 days ago. Mr Wetere said the Government was considering his request that a Commission of Inquiry be set up to examine recommendations from the hui.

He could not say when a decision would be made or what form the commission would take. Nor could he say if official celebrations would be held at Waitangi next year.