4 July 2006

Marae Heritage and Facilities Distribution Committee appointments

Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker today announced two new appointments to the Lottery Marae Heritage and Facilities Distribution Committee.

Hon Koro Wetere, of Te Kuiti, has been reappointed as Presiding Member to the Committee for a term of three years. Mr Wetere is affiliated with Tainui, is a fluent Mäori speaker and has a background in farming and land management. He has had extensive involvement with Mäori communities and with the restoration and conservation of marae. He is the Director of Tainui Group Holdings Limited and has held several directorships of Tainui subsidiaries. Hon Koro Wetere was a Member of Parliament for 27 years and is the recipient of a CBE.

Paora Ammunson, of Greytown, has been appointed as a member to the Committee for a term of three years. Mr Ammunson is a fluent Te Reo Mäori speaker and has affiliations with Ngäti Kahungunu/Ngati Rangitane ki Wairarapa, and Te Arawa. Mr Ammunson has been a trainer, facilitator, and advisor to many groups on issues pertaining to Mäori. He has published and contributed to research on the Treaty of Waitangi and Mäori strategic development.

Mihi Namana, of Masterton, has been appointed as a member to the Committee for a term of three years. Ms Namana has a background in teaching and is currently the Mäori Health Co-ordinator on the Wairarapa District Health Board. Ms Namana was previously employed as an advisor to managers at the Department of Labour and organised training workshops for staff on Tikanga Mäori. Mihi Namana was appointed to the Criminal Justice Advisory Board for six years and is a member and Chairperson of several local Mäori community groups. Ms Namana holds a Companion of the Queens Service Order for community service.

The reappointed Presiding Member and two newly appointed members join Ngaire Te Hira and Haare Williams on the Committee.

The Lottery Marae Heritage and Facilities Distribution Committee consider applications for restoration and development of marae facilities. Priority is generally given to projects that have at least one third of their cost raised already and that comply with local and central authority building, health, and safety standards. The committee meets three times a year and applications to the fund close every March, August, and December.

ENDS

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