PAANUI PAAPAAHO
Media Release
2 June 2013

REVIEW SUPPORT A KEY STEP FORWARD

FOR WAIKATO-TAINUI

Waikato-Tainui members have supported a call for change by confirming a review of the tribe’s governance and representation structures.

Tribal members met yesterday (Saturday 1 June) at a hui-aa-iwi in Ngaaruawaahia to receive a progress update following a similar hui held in February 2013 to discuss concerns regarding on-going governance and representation issues.

In an address to the hui Kiingi Tuheitia expressed his desire for tribal leadership and members to unite and work together in order to achieve the best outcome for the review and, ultimately, the tribe. His aspirations for the success that Waikato-Tainui could achieve included providing direct support to all whaanau and in particular tamariki and rangatahi, who represent the tribe’s future and who could benefit most from the results of a unified approach.

Sponsor group co-chair Nanaia Mahuta said the support voiced by tribal members represented a key step forward for the review and a round of consultation hui at marae would now commence.

Yesterday members were briefed on the Terms of Reference, a working document which outlined the scope of the review, its purpose, roles of the sponsor group and working party, principles under which the review is to be conducted, and the process the review will take. A set of criteria for the review was also presented, along with early-thinking sample structure options that were tabled as a means to initiate discussion. Breakout workshops provided important feedback that would inform the review.

“The involvement and participation of tribal members in the review process is absolutely critical,” said Ms Mahuta. “If this review is to result in a recommendation for a new structure that enables our exponential growth and success while holding true to our tribal identity, then we need to hear from the people and factor in all views.

“As a tribe this is our first opportunity in 14 years to take a really hard look at what is working and what isn’t and ask ourselves how we can do better. That’s a question for the people, we heard some of that yesterday, and we look forward to hearing more.”

Key themes emerging from the workshops were consistent: commitment to the Kiingitanga as an intrinsic part of any structure model, recognition that the current model isn’t working, support for change, the need for clarity around roles and responsibilities, better information flow and improved efficiency, and the necessity for constitutional rules to align with tikanga Maaori.

While the meeting attracted fewer numbers than the February hui, those who attended were a broad representation of marae across Waikato-Tainui.

Next steps included the commencement of a series of consultation hui during June and July as a further opportunity for members to access information, participate and provide input. Registered tribal members are also welcome to provide written submissions.

The review team would make a further report back to the tribe in August 2013.
Notes:
• Written submissions will be accepted from registered tribal members only.
• All submissions must be received by 5pm on Monday 29 July 2013.
• A copy of the Review Terms of Reference is available at www.waikatotainui.com and on Facebook (Ko Waikato te Awa Ko Waikato te Iwi)
• Review information packs are available from the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development and the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust. Email info@waikatotainui.com or ph 0800 TAINUI.
• Regular review updates will be posted to www.waikatotainui.com and on Facebook
• Updates will also be provided via email and text. Tribal members are invited to provide their email and mobile contact details to info@waikatotainui.com to receive these updates.
• Consultation programme:
June 2013 Workshop with Te Kauhanganui
Saturday 22 June Rukumoana Marae 9am
Paaraawera Marae 1pm
Saturday 6 July Te Puea Marae 9am
Ngaa Tai E Rua Marae 1pm
Saturday 27 July Waahi Paa 9am
Poihaakena Marae 1pm
• Review team report back: August 2013

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