2 Jan 2016

Plea to amend law which targets Maori

4:37 pm on 2 January 2016

An electoral law expert is highlighting what he says are racist provisions in a New Zealand law that should be repealed.

"I was particularly concerned that there were criminal offences in New Zealand that only applied to Maori," said Graeme Edgeler. Photo: 123RF

It is an offence under the 1962 Maori Community Development Act to serve alcohol at a gathering of Maori people, and the act also gives Maori wardens the right to take car keys off or throw Maori out of bars.

Graeme Edgeler said while the provisions were probably not being enforced, they should not be on the lawbooks.

"I think the fact that the provisions exist is a problem in itself.

"I was particularly concerned that there were criminal offences still in New Zealand that only applied to Maori."

A 2014 Waitangi Tribunal review of the law found that parts of it were dated and needed amendment, but that any review and reform of the Act must be Maori-led.

Graeme Edgeler agreed a broader review should be undertaken by Maori, but said the problematic provisions, which only make up a small part of the Act, could easily be removed.

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