Since 1984 various approaches have been made, from various sources, to the Minister of Education to make changes to the Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts Act 1943. After more than 30 years of investigations, consultations, legislative delays and sheer frustration, the Trust Board approached Māori Party member Marama Fox to discuss a pathway forward. Marama took the Trusts concerns to Alastair Scott, National MP for Wairarapa, who agreed in February 2015 to sponsor the Amendments as a Members Bill.
In September 2015 the Amendment Bill was publicly advertised nationally.
Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts Amendment BillPublic Notice of Intention to Introduce a Private Bill Notice is given under the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives that The Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts intend to promote a Private Bill into Parliament called the Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts Amendment Bill. The objects of the Bill are to: (a) describe better the relationship between Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts Board, the Bishop of Te Upoko o Te Ika, and tangata whenua of Wairarapa; and (b) establish a more robust nomination process of Board members; and (c) provide a fairer distribution of funds for tangata whenua of Wairarapa; and (d) facilitate the long- term development of lands. |
In December 2015 the Amendment Bill was introduced to the House by Alastair Scott National MP for Wairarapa. On March 2nd 2016 members of the Board travelled to Parliament to witness the 1st reading of the Amendment Bill which was recommended to the Māori Affairs Select Committee and submissions were scheduled to be heard. This was followed by the 2nd reading of the Amendment Bill on September 21st 2016.
On October 19th 2016 the Amendment Bill was heard in the House for the Committee stage and will return to the House for the 3rd reading at a date yet to be confirmed.
To read the Papawai and Kaikōkirikiri Trusts Amendment Bill click here.