Greens host hui to promote national Maori youth network

Green Maori Affairs Spokesperson Metiria Turei yesterday hosted a hui at parliament to promote the development of a national Maori youth network which would provide national Treaty education and strategy development for Maori youth.

The hui was between representatives from Maori youth organisations from around the country, the Maori youth network Tu Wai, and Treaty educators. All Maori MPs were invited to the hui, although only some turned up. MPs present included Nanaia Mahuta, Pita Paraone, Edwin Perry and Georgina Te Heuheu. Officials from Tariana Turia's office were also present.

"The establishment of a national Maori youth network focussed on Te Tiriti education around the country is a really important step towards ensuring that both young Maori and Pakeha are aware of what Te Tiriti O Waitangi is, what it says and why it is so important to the future of this country," said Mrs Turei.

"The vision discussed at yesterday's hui is for a national network run by young Maori for young Maori, and in accordance with Tikanga Maori, to foster greater understanding of the role of Te Tiriti today."

Mrs Turei said the concept of the network was already well advanced and the bringing together of the various groups was further developing the national base upon which this network would be built.

"The proposal includes four rangatahi hui over the next 12 months to establish the network and develop strategies for identifying Maori youth issues and addressing those issues consistently with Te Tiriti and Tikanga Maori.

"The creation of this network is an expression of the growing political awareness of Maori youth and reflects the willingness on the part of young Maori to tackle the political and social issues that confront both Maori and non Maori," she said.

"It is a demonstration of the strength of Maori youth in tackling the hard issues that many of today's Maori and Pakeha leaders have failed to do.

"I will continue to work in parliament to ensure there is strong cross party support for this project."

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