Contemporary Issues in Maaori Law and Society

Contemporary Issues in Maaori Law and Society

2005

This article is the first of what is hoped to be a regular feature in the Waikato Law Review reviewing and commenting upon significant recent developments in Māori law and society. It is not intended to be an exhaustive review; but rather it explores a select range of diverse issues
concerning Māori law and society that arose in the course of the year. It begins by considering the impact of the involvement of the Court of Appeal in the Matauri X litigation regarding the powers of Māori incorporations. Part Two considers some important issues that have arisen in relation to the Foreshore and Seabed and Māori Fisheries. Part Three reflects upon concerns that were voiced during this year’s government consultation process with Māori concerning freshwater, and that discussion flows easily into a consideration of recent amendments to the Resource Management Act 1991. The final part contemplates an interesting development in the area of Treaty of Waitangi claims in the context of Transpower’s proposed new transmission line