19 October 2011

Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust Review hui should be on Marae, not at Wellington Wharewaka Building

Taranaki Whanui elders and beneficiaries have called on the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust (PNBST) to move this Saturday's (22 October) Trust review hui from Te Wharewaka o Poneke, on Wellington's waterfront, to a Taranaki Whanui Marae in the Hutt.

The Kaumatua say Te Wharewaka o Poneke is not a Taranaki Whanui owned tupuna Marae "therefore it is outside of the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust Deed which requires "the review must be held in terms of tikanga of Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika".

The PNBST was established to receive and manage the settlement package for Taranaki Whanui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika.

The Trust Deed requires a review of the Trust terms, operation and representation two years after the settlement date, 2 September 2009.

The PNBST has contracted Craig Ellison as an independent facilitator for the review.

Five review hui have been advertised - in Wellington, Auckland, Napier, Palmerston North and New Plymouth. None of these hui are being held on Marae.

Said Te Runanganui o Taranaki Whanui Chief Executive, Dr Kara Puketapu and Co-Chair of Te Tatau o Te Po Marae, John Warren: "The Trust Deed is quite clear - the review must have regard to the tikanga of our people. What is planned does not do this; therefore they are in breach of Trust."

They have called on Mr Ellison to cancel this Saturday's hui, and reschedule it at Waiwhetu Marae in the Hutt during November.

Said Dr Puketapu and Mr Warren: "This review is of critical importance to our people and their future representation on the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust.

"It is incumbent on the Trust and facilitator to ensure culturally appropriate venues are selected, also that the maximum number of Taranaki Whanui beneficiaries are able to attend.

"Te Wharewaka o Poneke is inappropriate. Apart from its lack of cultural connection, most of our people live in the greater Hutt Valley region - Te Awakairangi, so for them to get to Te Wharewaka is difficult, and parking is prohibitively expensive. Our Kaumatua must be considered and respected."

ENDS

© Scoop Media