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Management
63. The management of the Law Commission is of vital importance. That is
particularly the case because the Law Commission enjoys statutory
independence, but for its success must still liaise closely with Government and
outside organisations at several levels. The quality of administration is
important, particularly effective networking with Government Departments,
Universities, learned societies, and law reform agencies overseas.
64. For this reason, it is recommended that the Law Commission reconsider its
decision to abolish the post of Director. Networking with Government
Departments and outside organisations is a vital part of a Director's role.
65. How the researchers at the Commission are organised is a judgment for the
Commission to make.
Maori Dimension
66. The Commission has made a useful contribution to Maori matters.
67. It is not recommended that a separate Maori Law Commission be established.
The Law Commission should undertake, on reference from the Government,
projects that deal with aspects of the Treaty of Waitangi and the legal system. If
the Government wishes to do that to a greater degree, it will need to consider re-
orienting the Commission substantially.
68. The Law Commission offers a forum in which both partners to the Treaty can
have issues concerning the Treaty in the law and the constitution analysed in a
detached and scholarly way.
Resources of the Law Commission
69. The Law Commission does not need any increase in its resource base. Nor
should the base be reduced. An annual appropriation of $3.34 million appears
to be about right.