Arbitration Amendment Bill

I move, That it be an instruction to the Committee of the whole House on the Arbitration Amendment Bill that it have the power to consider and, if it thinks fit, adopt the amendment in my name relating to the arbitration of disputes concerning Māori land.

Firstly, I advise that the proposed amendment of my colleague Hone Harawira has been removed, and replaced by my amendment. Having taken more advice on the wording, I am hopeful that the new wording makes the intent far clearer.

The key issues I wish to flag in presenting this amendment are around the Māori Land Court. The court has been charged with the responsibility to adjudicate on matters relating to Māori land, and it is under these circumstances that where there is a dispute, we put this in its hands. The second key point—just as a part of the preamble to, hopefully, the later discussion—is the more important point that the Arbitration Amendment Bill potentially cuts across the jurisdiction of the Māori Land Court, so it is right for the debate on the amendment to occur at this time. I ask for your consideration on this.