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Salient Māori News Items for the Week to 17 November 2017 (edition 38/2017)

The Federation of Māori Authorities (FoMA) is holding its annual conference, which also marks its 30^th Anniversary, in Rotorua this weekend. The focus is on future directions, with Chair Traci Houpapa indicating a key objective is to strengthen the existing relationship between the Government and the Federation. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, Minister for Crown/Treaty Relations Kelvin Davis, the Attorney-General (also Minister for Economic Development) David Parker, Sir Tipene O’Regan, Waaka Vercoe, Mavis Mullins, Paul Morgan, and Sir Wira Gardiner are among the keynote speakers. For attendance details visit:

The New Zealand Māori Arts and Craft Institute (Te Puia) tabled its annual report (to 31 March 2017) in Parliament this month. Results, including financial results, are impressive: a profit of circa $5.0 million was made, thereby raising total equity up to $42.3 million.

The Minister of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations, Andrew Little, is meeting with Ngāpuhi claimant groups today (both Tūhoronuku and Te Kōtahitanga), and then holding a general hui for Ngāpuhi tomorrow in order to progress a Treaty settlement with the iwi. Overall, progressing this settlement proved just too hard for the last administration, so it will be interesting as to whether the new Government can resolve conflicts sufficiently to allow settlement work to progress. The open forum is being held at the Waitangi Copthorne from 9am to midday.

The Māori Book and Journalism awards were held last week with Wena Harawira gaining a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her services to broadcasting. Renee Kahukura Iosefa was named Māori Journalist of the Year.

The Trade and Export Growth Minister, David Parker, has released a statement indicating that the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) now meets the expectations of the Government, with issues of dispute suspended at this time (such as labour rates). Amongst other items he advises Treaty of Waitangi protections are now clear and sufficient. (The Green Party has indicated they will oppose CPTPP legislation being enacted – while the opposition National has indicated they will support the Government on this matter.)

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