Appointments – 23 June 2017 (edition 21/2017)
- Mr Niwa Nuri has been appointed to the Council of Waikato Institute of Technology.
General News Article: Appointments – 3 June 2016 (18/2016)
- Willie Jackson has been appointed to Te Mātāwai by the National Urban Māori Authority.
- Christopher Mace has been reappointed as member of the board of the Tertiary Education Commission.
- Traci Houpapa has been appointed to the Council of Victoria University of Wellington.
- Anne Carter, Daphne Luke, and Edward Ellison have been reappointed to the Council of Te Wānanga o Raukawa.
- Charlie Tawhiao and Adrienne von Tunzelmann have been appointed to the Council of Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi. Rauru Kirikiri and Tuihana Pook have been reappointed to the Council.
Appointments and Awards
- Tau Henare has been appointed as a member of the Housing New Zealand Board.
- Rangimahora Reddy has been appointed as a member of the newly formed Palliative Care Advisory Panel (PCAP).
- Professor Margaret Mutu has been awarded the Royal Society of New Zealand’s Pou Aronui Award; for her contributions to indigenous rights and scholarship in New Zealand.
Parliamentary matters and Māori news stories for the week ending 9 November 2012
- On Wednesday the Mount Maunganui Borough Reclamation and Empowering Act Repeal Bill was read a third time. This bill was introduced by Minister Pita Sharples and is supported by Tauranga Moana iwi (refer to E20/2012 for details).
- On Wednesday the first reading of the Oaths and Declarations (Upholding the Treaty of Waitangi) Amendment Bill was not agreed to. This private member’s bill (lodged by Te Ururoa Flavell) failed by 69 votes to 52. This bill was designed to allow those giving legal oaths the right to make an optional plead to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi. The National, ACT, United Future and New Zealand First parties voted against this; with the Māori, Mana, Labour and Green parties voting for it. The matter arose after Hone Harawira unsuccessfully sought to plead an oath to the Treaty of Waitangi after being re-elected to parliament. The matter is now closed.
- On Thursday the third reading for the Climate Change Response (Emissions Trading and Other Matters) Amendment Bill was completed. The bill will pass into law once royal assent is given. (Refer pānui E11/2012 for details on this matter.)
- On Thursday a private members’ bill (Breakfast and Lunch Programmes in Schools) Amendment Bill was introduced in parliament. This bill (lodged by Hone Harawira) provides for the introduction of state-funded breakfast and lunch programmes in all decile 1 and 2 schools and other designated schools.
- Guy Royal has been appointed a director of KiwiRail.
- Today the Tai Tokerau aquaculture development group launched the Northland Aquaculture Strategy. The group, which includes the Te Tai Tokerau Iwi Consortium, are predicting marine farming will employ up to 700 people in the Northland region by 2030.
- On Thursday a Nelson District Court judge fined fishing company Sealords circa $63,000 and ordered the company to pay reparations of $12,500 for failing to ensure the safety of an employee, under Section Six of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992. Sealords is half-owned by Aotearoa Fisheries.
- The Māori Women’s Development Incorporation has commenced a series of financial literacy hui across New Zealand.
- Last Saturday the Federation of Māori Authorities, Industrial Research Institute and University of Otago launched Hikohiko Te Uira, Māori Enterprise Internship programme. The programme will provide 10-week placements for Māori university students.
- The Waitangi Tribunal has declined an application from Te Taou (an iwi located in the Kaipara Harbour region) for an urgent hearing to challenge the Crown’s approach to settlement negotiations with Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara.
- Te Arawa Group Holdings has purchased the Wai-o-tapu Geothermal Wonderland in Rotorua.
Māori news stories for the week ending 24 August 2012:
- Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has appointed Arihia Bennett (Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Ngāti Waewae, Ngāti Porou) to the role of Chief Executive Officer.
- This week the Serious Fraud Office has confirmed it will investigate matters relating to the Wellington Tenths Trust, following allegations of unlawful payments and transactions. Sir Ngātata Love has stood down from his role as Chairman of the Trust, and other related entities, why the matter is being investigated.
- On Monday a statement from Chen Palmer, (a legal firm), was made on behalf of the Chief Executive of Te Taura Whiri, Glenis Phillip-Barbara. The statement alleged that Ms Phillip-Barbara had been defamed by Māori Television last week. (This was in relation to a news report that allegedly raised questions over the use and reimbursement of public funds.) A public apology was sought, and the statement indicated that ‘further action’ could follow. In our view, Ms Phillip-Barbara has every right to broach such legal matters, if she has been unfairly defamed, in order to protect her reputation. Notwithstanding, from another perspective, essentially this situation involves the Chief Executive of one Crown entity threatening legal action against another Crown Entity (very unusually); and both entities are of course within the Māori Affairs portfolio; with Boards that have accountabilities to the Minister of Māori Affairs. From a public management perspective then, any legal action of this nature would pose some peculiar challenges for the Crown.
- The Māori Land Court has appointed Clinton Hemana to be an independent trustee for Tataraakina C Trust in Hawke’s Bay. In May the Court granted an injunction against the Tataraakina C Trust which prevented the (former) Trustees from appointing an Executive Officer or a Project Manager. The injunction was sought by another former Trustee, on the grounds that the recruitment and decision-making process had been flawed. One of the first tasks for Mr Hemana, will be to work out the employment status of the proposed Executive Officer, who is Donna Awatere-Huata. (Mrs Awatere-Huata is a former member of parliament and has previously been convicted of fraud.)
- This week two Māori seats were finalised for the Waikato Regional Councils’ 2013 Local Authority elections.
- Taranaki iwi have placed a rāhui along the north Taranaki coast, following the drowning of three people off Paritutu rock.
- The Ministry of Health are seeking nominations for the National Kaitiaki Group. The role of the National Kaitiaki Group is to consider applications to access Māori womens’ health information held on the National Cervical Screening Register.
- Koroneihana celebrations at Tūrangawaewae Marae (Ngāruawahia) concluded on Tuesday.
- Next week the Te Arawa River Iwi Trust will sign a Joint Management Agreement of the Upper Waikato River with both the Rotorua District Council and the Waikato Regional Council. The agreement is an outcome from the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Act 2010, and the purpose is to restore the health of the Upper Waikato River.
Māori news stories for the week ending 17 August 2012
- Dr Mere Berryman, Lorraine Kerr, Professor Angus Macfarlane, Professor Wally Penetito, and Professor Graham Hingangaroa Smith have been appointed as an advisory group to the Auditor General, for the purpose of the auditor’s investigation into Māori education.
- Lorraine Kerr has been elected president of the New Zealand School Trustees Association.
- Dale Karauria has been appointed to the Board of the Careers Service (known as Careers New Zealand).
- The National Māori Wardens Association has had their annual funding (circa $200,000) suspended until financial accountability issues are resolved with its funder, Te Puni Kōkiri.
- Last week Arbitrator, Robert Fisher QC, ruled that it was fair for Ngāti Whātua o Orakei Māori Trust Board to increase the rent for their residential properties located in central Auckland, up to commercial levels. (This follows arbitration proceedings which commenced in February.) Separately, the Trust Board announced this week that they will open a new health centre in October.
- The Ministry for Primary Industries has agreed Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura application to extend a rāhui on Wakatu Quay off the coast of Kaikōura. Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura hope the extended rāhui will replenish fish stocks in the area.
- Sir Ngatata Love has (temporarily) stepped down as Chairman of the Wellington Tenths Trust, pending an internal Trust review of financial matters. This follows a High Court conviction against two property developers, David Rowley and Barrie Skinner, for tax fraud. Court papers related to this case are said to show that a company jointly owned by Ms Skiffington (partner to Sir Ngatata Love), was paid $1.4m by property developers, who sought business with the Tenths Trust, and most of this amount was eventually placed into a bank account held jointly by Ms Skiffington and Sir Ngatata Love. It is important to note that Sir Ngatata Love has indicated he is not aware of any fraudulent activities.
- Last Friday the Ministry of Health released a consultation document on preventing and minimising gambling harm. Consultation meetings are being held from 20 to 25 August, and written submissions close on Friday 7 September.
- This week one media outlet is running a series of articles on Whānau Ora, providing examples of its use. In its title, the media outlet indicates that the policy ‘is being criticised as a waste of money and an opportunity for some to rort the system’, although clear references to people or organisations supporting that statement are not provided. The media agency notes the fraud convictions and cases pending against people associated with the ‘We Against Violence Trust’. (The Trust was a recipient organisation of Whānau Ora funding, refer Pānui 26/2012 for details).
- The Ministry for Primary Industries has announced the approval of five new mataitai reserves; three are on the Mahia Peninsula, one is north-east of Waimate, and one is Okarito Lagoon.
News and Emerging Matters Briefing – to 30 March 2012
This paper provides a summary of emerging matter of interest relating to Māori policy development, for the week 30 March 2012.
General matters
- On Tuesday, the first reading of the Social Security (Youth Support and Work Focus) Amendment Bill was held in parliament. The Bill has been referred to the Social Services Committee, and a report back is due by 31 May 2012. We note the Māori Party voted in favour of this legislation, although the Party has previously expressed some concerns about these reforms.
- On Wednesday the Waitangi Tribunal granted the New Zealand Māori Council an urgent hearing for a claim regarding the water rights of eleven hapū.
- Last Thursday the first reading of the South Taranaki District Council (Cold Creek Rural Water Supply) Bill was held. The proposal has been opposed by four South Taranaki iwi; Nga Ruahinerangi, Ngāti Ruanui, Nga Rauru and Taranaki Iwi Trust.
- This week Ngāti Ruahine lodged an appeal against the Tauranga Environment Court decision to grant the Port of Tauranga consent to dredge the Tauranga Harbour.
- Oraka-Aparima Runaka Incorporated has declared a Rāhui on fishing from the Waimatuku River mouth through to Ernest Island at the south of Mason Bay, Stewart Island. The Rāhui recognises the recent loss of eight lives in the Foveaux Strait. The Rāhui is from 23 March to 21 April.
- This week a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Aotearoa Fisheries and Massey University. The memorandum will assist the parties to increase research and professional training opportunities for Māori within the fishing sector.
- The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment confirmed this week that an inquiry would be held into fracking.
- On Thursday the second Tuia Te Ako Māori tertiary education hui was held at Pipitea Marae, Wellington.
- This week a proposed car rally from Ohakune to Mount Ruapehu has been cancelled following protests from local iwi Ngāti Rangi.
- This week the National Māori Housing Conference was held in Paihia, Bay of Islands.
- Reverend Hone Kaa died this week.
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Copyright: Workman Enterprises 2012. This publication is the property of Workman Enterprises and may not be copied, reproduced or forwarded to other parties without the prior consent of the owners, Workman Enterprises Ltd. Authors of this edition: William (Craig) Workman; Honoria Ropiha.
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Appointments -Māori New Years Honours: omnibus excerpt from week ending 27.01.2012
Member of the Order of New Zealand (ONZ);
- Hone Hotere
Companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM)
- Robyn Bargh; Wharehuia Milroy
Officers of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM)
- Grace Dorset; Russell Feist
Members of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
- Piatarihi Callaghan; Margaret Kawharu; Merata Kawharu;
- Bert Mackie; John Maihi; Hinerangi Raumati; Pio Terei; Beatrice Yates
Queens Service Medal (QSM)
- Haami Chapman; Phillip Crown; Henry Ngapo; Tuihana Pook;
- Richard Riki Rakena; Moengaroa Solomon; Millie Te Kaawa.
Sharon Mariu appointed to the National Health and Disability Committee
The Minister of Health -Tony Ryall has appointed Sharon Mariu (Tainui) , to the National Health and Disability Committee. The committee will advise the Ministry of Health on health and disability issues, and it is involved in the assessment of new diagnostic and treatment services.
Ms Mariu is an elected member of the Waikato District Health Board.
Robin Hapi appointed to the NZ Trade and Enterprise Board
On Tuesday the Economic Development Minister David Carter announced Robin Hapi,s appointment to the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Board. Mr Hapi has extensive experience in the fisheries industry and has held the roles of Chairman of Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd and Board Chair of Sealord Group since 2007.
He was previously CEO of the former Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission, and is currently Chair of BERL, a Commissioner for the Tertiary Education Commission, and Deputy Chair of the Council of Te Wānanga-o-Raukawa.
Appointment to the Electoral Commission
Jane Huria (Ngāi Tahu) has been appointed by the Governor General as a member and Deputy Chair to the Electoral Commission. Ms Huria’s appointment is for a term of four years.
New Zealand Parole Board appointment
Attorney-General Chris Finlayson announced today, Judge Louis Bidois (Te Arawa) appointment to the New Zealand Parole Board. Judge Bidois is one of seven new board members .
Environmental Protection Authority appointments named
Anake Goodall (Ngāi Tahu) and Taria Tahana (Te Arawa) have been appointed to the board of the Environmental Protection Authority. The Authority will be an independent Crown entity, and comes into being on the 1 July 2011. As an aside: Environment Minister, Nick Smith also announced that he will seek legislative amendments to ensure that companies seeking oil exploration rights (including off-shore oil drilling) will require consents from the Authority in future
New Māori Trustee appointed
Today, the Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples announced that Jamie Tuuta (Ngāti Mutunga, Ngāti Tama, Te Ati Awa, and Taranaki Tūturu) will replace John Paki as the new Māori Trustee. The appointment will be for a five year term starting on 19 August 2011. This month Mr Tuuta was also appointed to the board of Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Limited .
Investiture ceremony for Sir Tamati Reedy
Today the investiture ceremony was held in Ruatoria for Sir Tamati Muturangi Reedy(Ngāti Porou) who was made a knight companion of the New Zealand Order of merit in the 2011 New Year’s Honours list.
Sir Tamati served as head of the Department of Māori Affairs from 1983 to 1989, before moving into tertiary education as Waikato University’s foundation professor of Maori and Pacific development. The ceremony was performed by out-going Governor general Sir Anand Satyanand.