Hon Dr Pita Sharples
Minister of Maori Affairs

24 December 2012 Press Release

Minister announces Waitangi Tribunal Appointments

Minister of Māori Affairs, Hon Dr Pita R Sharples, today announced the appointment of Miriama Evans, Dr Rawinia Higgins, Hon Paul Swain and Nick Davidson to the Waitangi Tribunal. Each has been appointed for a term of three years, from 1 January 2013.

They will join Professor Sir Hirini Mead who was reappointed as a member of the Tribunal today.

“All of these new appointees bring their own set of skills and experience to the Waitangi Tribunal,” said Dr. Pita Sharples.

“Professor Sir Hirini Mead is highly regarded and has made a valuable contribution to the Tribunal to date. He is a respected kaumatua, academic, social scientist and educationalist, and I consider that the level of his experience and skills will be valuable in the on-going work of the Tribunal.”

New appointees, Miriama Evans, Dr Rawinia Higgins, Hon Paul Swain and Nick Davidson were appointed to the Tribunal due to the level of skills and experience

Dr Sharples said “Miriama Evans and Dr Rawinia Higgins are two wahine who have both had impressive careers whilst lending their knowledge and experience in iwi governance roles.”

“Miriama Evans has worked extensively in the public sector as a senior official, and holds a wealth of experience in iwi governance. Dr. Rawinia Higgins is fluent in te reo Maori and is a widely published Maori academic with iwi experience.”

“Hon Paul Swain has held numerous Ministerial portfolios during his political career that spanned 15 years. He currently works in the private sector and has intimate knowledge of the Treaty settlements sector having worked as a Chief Crown Negotiator.”

“Nicholas Davidson has worked extensively in the field of law. During his career as a lawyer he gained considerable experience and knowledge of the Treaty settlement process through representing a number of iwi and pan-Maori clients.”

Dr Sharples said “all five appointees possess broad ranging skills and experience that will support the on-going effectiveness of the Tribunal. I congratulate each of them for their appointment, and also welcome the contribution that they will be making to the Tribunal moving forward.”

“I would also like to thank those members of the Tribunal whose term has ended for their contribution over the last few years.”

“Finally, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas, on this Christmas Eve.”

ENDS

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