Salient Māori News Items for the Week to 25 August 2017 (edition 29/2017)

• The Probation Board has announced that Sir Ngātata Love will be released from prison on parole in October, as he is of low risk of reoffending. He will be barred from having any direct or indirect contact with the Wellington Tenths Trust or Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust until April 2019.  We also note the Prime Minister has deferred any decision as to whether Sir Ngātata Love should lose his knighthood for services to Māori until after the General Election.  The Tenths Trust continues to seek an apology from Sir Ngātata.  (Pānui 18/2017 provides further details on this matter.)
• The Māori Television Service has opened its new offices in South Auckland, and consider the premises will better assist them deliver content via emerging digital technologies. Kiingi Tūheitia, however, has also indicated he is displeased with the service, as the content presents as too negative in his opinion.
• The Prime Minister, Bill English, has written to Ngāpuhi entities, Tūhoronuku and Te Kōtahitanga, again offering mediation services. We consider this is likely because Te Kōtahitanga is now considering filing a Treaty of Waitangi claim against the Prime Minister’s decision to suspend Treaty negotiations (and the Prime Minister therefore needs to demonstrate good intent).   At present the two opposing groups are refusing to hold formal discussions with each other.  (Pānui 19/2017 refers.)
• The Ministry of Culture and Heritage has opened its funding round for 2018 Treaty of Waitangi commemorative community events. Community grants average at $3,000.  Details here:

http://www.mch.govt.nz/funding-nz-culture/ministry-grants-awards/commemorating-waitangi-day-fund