This Act was described by Māori as the ‘last land grab’[i] Despite widespread opposition of Māori, including the NZMC and the Māori members of Parliament, this Act made it possible for the government to compulsorily convert Māori freehold land with four or fewer owners into general land, while the Māori trustee gained authority to compulsorily acquire and sell ‘uneconomic’ interests in Māori land.[ii]
Footnotes
- [i] go to main content Atholl Anderson, Judith Binney, Aroha Harris, Tangata Whenua: An Illustrated History, Bridget Williams Books, Wellington, 2014, p. 413.
- [ii] go to main content Tangata Whenua, p.413.