The Local Government (Rating of Whenua Māori) Amendment Bill has had its First Reading in Parliament and has been referred to the Māori Affairs Committee. The Māori Affairs Committee has extended the closing date for public submissions on this bill by one month to 17 May 2020 to give whānau more time to make a submission.

The Bill, as well as information on how to make a public submission, can be accessed via the following link: https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/bills-and-laws/bills-proposed-laws/document/BILL_94968/local-government-rating-of-whenua-m%C4%81ori-amendment-bill

This Bill follows on from the announcement on the proposed changes to the rating of Māori freehold land from Minister Nanaia Mahuta, responsible for Māori Development and Local Government, in Kaikohe last month. Attached is an introductory booklet outlining the changes. You can access a copy of the booklet and other supporting information on our website at: www.tpk.nz/whenua

The changes proposed are part of the Government’s wider commitment to supporting whānau and regional development through whenua. This bill aims to reduce rating barriers to development of Māori freehold land and provide greater consistency, equity and clarity around rating of Māori land.

You can also access Minster Mahuta’s media release via the following link: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/rating-burden-relieved-support-whenua-m%C4%81ori-use

If you have any queries, please email: WhenuaMaoriRating@dia.govt.nz