Supporting Indigenous Rigths through Takitimu Fest

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi supporting Rights of Indigenous Peoples through the Takitimu Festival.

TAKITIMU FESTIVAL

12 to 16 NOVEMBER 2008

Press release

9th October 2008

A year ago, 143 countries voted in favour of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, only four countries voted against. These countries were New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the United States of America.

Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated chairperson, Ngahiwi Tomoana, states that “it is ironic that the Government can support the international rights of those who are disabled, but not those who are indigenous”.

In a press release on 24 September 2008, the government noted that protecting the rights and promoting the interests of disabled people will be cemented further following NZ’s ratification of the United Nations Disability Convention. The ratification continues the progress NZ has made over the past eight years in promoting an inclusive society where disabled people are valued and fully participate.

Mr Tomoana went on the say that, “We appreciate the current economic climate and although there is some government agency support for the Takitimu Festival, it would be great to see a level of support that recognizes the contribution Maori, iwi and indigenous peoples make to the value and participation in the New Zealand economy and community”.

Similar to the Rights under the Disability convention, the rights of indigenous peoples’, a non-binding text, sets out the individual and collective rights of indigenous peoples, as well as their rights to culture, identity, language, employment, health, education and other issues.

The Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples emphasizes the rights to maintain and strengthen their own institutions, cultures and traditions and to pursue their development in keeping with their own needs and aspirations.

Mr Tomoana says that, “November 12-16th 2008, Ngāti Kahungunu will be hosting the inaugural Takitimu Festival to give effect to the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, This festival will be a celebration and development initiative in the rebuilding of relationships of indigenous peoples across Aotearoa, the Pacific and the Hawaiiki nation. We encourage all families and communities to celebrate our past, our present and our future in Aotearoa and the Pacific by participating in the festival.”

ENDS

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Click here for more information

www.kahungunu.iwi.nz

www.takitimufestival.co.nz

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