2017 Māori Parliamentary Elections

The Māori Parliament, also known as Te Kōti Pīremu Māori or the Māori Land Court, is a significant institution in New Zealand that plays a crucial role in the governance and administration of Māori land. It was established in 1865 under the Native Lands Act,…   with the primary purpose of adjudicating on the ownership of Māori land. The Māori Parliament is not a legislative body, but rather a judicial one, and its decisions are legally binding.<br /><br />The Māori Parliament's role is to ensure the fair and equitable management of Māori land, which is often owned communally by Māori tribes or iwi. It does this by determining the ownership of Māori land, resolving disputes over Māori land, and overseeing the administration of Māori land trusts and incorporations. The Māori Parliament also plays a role in the preservation of Māori culture and heritage, as it has the power to designate certain areas as Māori reservations for the purpose of preserving areas of significance to Māori.<br /><br />The office of the Māori Parliament is held by a judge, known as the Chief Judge of the Māori Land Court, who is appointed by the Governor-General of New Zealand. The Chief Judge is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Māori Parliament and ensuring that its decisions are in accordance with the law. The Chief Judge is supported by a number of other judges, who are also appointed by the Governor-General.<br /><br />In addition to its judicial role, the Māori Parliament also has an advisory role. It provides advice to the government on matters relating to Māori land, and it can make recommendations to the government on legislative changes that may be necessary to protect the rights of Māori landowners. The Māori Parliament also provides education and information to Māori communities about their rights and responsibilities in relation to Māori land.<br /><br />In summary, the Māori Parliament plays a vital role in the governance and administration of Māori land in New Zealand. It ensures the fair and equitable management of Māori land, resolves disputes over Māori land, oversees the administration of Māori land trusts and incorporations, and plays a role in the preservation of Māori culture and heritage. The office of the Māori Parliament is held by a Chief Judge, who is supported by a number of other judges. The Māori Parliament also has an advisory role, providing advice to the government on matters relating to Māori land and making recommendations on legislative&nbsp;changes.Read more