made could cause problems, and assured the conference that the Government would not risk impairing the good and steady progress made to date. He referred to the changing circumstances of Maori and Island peoples in urban areas with the resultant complex social difficulties and the need to make changes to meet these new situations, and said that the responsibility to build a successful bi-cultural society based on the abundance of goodwill present throughout the community rested on everyone. He considered that it was not impossible for the Maori people to make, in the next 15 years, advancements that had in the past taken almost 200 years, and that New Zealand would benefit greatly from some aspects of Maori life. The Minister mentioned the excellent work done by the committees and councils, leagues and bodies currently existing, but said that improvements and more effective progress could be made, and that amending legislation to the Maori Welfare Act 1962 would be passed next year, giving greater emphasis to increased opportunities for Maori people to participate in decision-making affecting their general well-being and advancement. Speaking of the role of Maori Welfare Officers he said, “The role of the Maori Welfare Officer is unique within the framework of Government social agencies in that his activities and powers are not limited to specific tasks on the basis of statutory regulations. As you know, your work encompasses any matter which promotes the welfare and progress of the Maori and Island people either as individuals or groups. “The work of welfare officers has called for enthusiasm, courage, initiative, energy, patience, tact and an understanding of the Maori people and their aspirations, the capacity to influence leadership and, above all, common sense. I am aware also that your work will continue to be, as in the past, to encourage and assist in matters of housing, education, vocational training, trade training, health and physical welfare, law and order — to name but a few facets. Undoubtedly, this work will continue for some years yet, but the prime role of officers is to work with groups on community development in an effort to prevent casework arising. Let me assure you that your work has not gone unnoticed. “Since 1 April 1969, the number of welfare officers in the department has increased by 33. Twelve of these have been appointed since the beginning of this year, the increases being principally in the urban areas of Auckland, Wellington and Hamilton. Ten officers are concerned with the Pacific Island communities in Auckland, Rotorua and Wellington and two others have been assigned to ‘J Team’ duties — or, as they are affectionately known — the ‘Tiki Patrol’. “Apart from urban areas and district office headquarters, welfare officers have recently been posted to the offices in Hawera, Wairoa, Masterton and Invercargill. Two officers were posted to Otara last year and it is proposed to open similar offices in other suburban areas of Auckland and Wellington. There are 11 vacancies which have not been filled yet because of the shortage of suitably qualified personnel. The requirements for the job are, properly, fairly stringent. “Earlier this year I gave approval for a third ‘J Team’ for Auckland, and to ease the pressure on the existing group covering the Otara/Mangere territory, I propose, by at least March of next year, to approve a further team. As you know the composition of the team includes a Maori Welfare Officer, a Youth Aid Officer of the Police and a clergyman. In complimenting those concerned in this work it is particularly heartening to read in the New Zealand Police Report to Parliament for the year ended 31 March 1973: ‘Without attempting to claim any basic connection, or any credit, because many other organisations are working in this field too, it is nevertheless pleasing to be able to report a very large reduction in the number of Maori children dealth with by the Youth Aid Section at Auckland. In 1972 there was a decrease of 482 cases, 19.3 per cent from the 1971 figures of 2482.’ “This preventive role, which is proving