A cause for nervousness: The proposed Maori land reforms in New Zealand

This commentary reflects upon the major Maori land reforms in te Ture Whenua Maori Bill (2016). The reforms implement more bureaucracy and replace some mechanisms used by the Maori Land Court to protect against Maori land loss. The Waitangi Tribunal, which has dealt with Maori grievances over land loss for over 30 years, issued a critical report in March 2016 along with recommendations about the reforms. That report was largely ignored by the New Zealand Government. This commentary contains a review of the literature on Maori land to date, as it helps to understand the ideas behind the Tribunal's report as well as the reforms. There is also an examination of the main points made by the Waitangi Tribunal, as well as aspects of te Ture Whenua Maori Bill (2016). The overall conclusion is that the Maori people should be very nervous about the reforms for their lands.