The chairman of the Malvatumauri, Chief Seni Mao Tirsupe, said he welcomed the request for advice because it showed the Government now realised the important role his organisation had when it came to customary land.
Chief Tirsupe said in the past the Malvatumauri legislation had stated the government "may" consult chiefs on customs and culture related issues but this was amended to "must" consult in 2013.
RNZI reports the planned extraordinary meeting would be the third time the government has sought the wisdom of the chiefs on customary land matters.
