apr 2, 1900 - Maori Councils Act - passed
Description:
In response to pressures from men such as Apirana Ngata and Maui Pomare, the liberal government introduced the Maori councils act in 1900. Ngata and cabinet minister, James Carroll, were closely involved in the passage of the act although one interpretation of the legislation was that the government was attempting to set up alternative institutions within the various villages to
counter the growing influence of Maori reformers. Whatever the motives of the legislation it attempted to set up local Māori councils with powers similar to local authorities. The councils could pass bylaws and draw up sanitary regulations for buildings and water supplies. Some improvements were made and between 1905 and 1909 1,256 houses were demolished and 2,103 new ones built, with 1,003 having toilets installed. Only half of the new houses were serviced with water, drainage or toilets. Although the new houses undoubtedly meant improved housing conditions for the recipients - compared with the often decayed, rotten structures of the villages they were not being built to the same standards as those being insisted upon for the new suburban dwellers.
By 1912, 24 councils had been created but by 1908 the scheme was already in decline. People had been reluctant to build houses for fear that if land was partitioned they would lose the house and reluctance to use water flush toilets was also widespread.
Source: https://forms.justice.govt.nz/search/Documents/WT/wt_DOC_94029549/Wai%2060%2C%20A002.pdf
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A chronology of Māori housing
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