CHAIRPERSON'S STATEMENT
(May 2010 - newly elected chairperson)
Matariki
Tupu a nuku Tupu a rangi
Waiti Waita
Ururangi Waipuna a rangi
Tihei Mauri ora!
Matariki is the time when we remember those past on and to celebrate new life.
It’s an appropriate time for us as an organization to review things we have done and to look forward to new energy and growth within us. This is our new year, Happy Matariki! We have already signaled that we are reviewing the KAHC and have suggested that we will progress the establishment of the Kahungunu Cultural Centre over the next 3 years, hopefully to have completed it within that time. That’s looking backward to move forward.
In regard to the KAHC, I have met with the Chair, Harry Mikaere and we have discussed a way forward. As an Iwi we have always discussed multiple bottom lines namely financial, cultural, environmental, social and whanau. To date we have concentrated on only one that is financial. We currently have directors and an investment strategy that reflects that single goal. In moving forward we will be seeking directors that cover the other goals of cultural, environmental and social economics. The whanau aspects are already being addressed by other bodies including some Taiwhenua. This will necessitate greater cohesion between the KAHC and NKII executives to maximize synergies which poses challenges to both organizations but to allow the status quo to continue is not an option in my view as Taiwhenua and Taurahere demand resourcing. We have sought advice from other Iwi and Maori groups such as Ngai Tahu and Toarapaki as to how to conduct such a process and have been consistently advised to undertake the process internally as we are the most fluent with the needs of this Iwi however they are keen to assist or peer review if required. It’s also less costly.
As to the progression of the cultural centre, we have referenced back to the report of Mere Whaanga-Schollum, which basically states that it must be self funding and that the only places that this is possible is in Hastings or Napier where incidental traffic is much greater so the probability of a self-sustaining model is also greater. Several sites have been examined in both cities and following the meeting of the 11th I would like to tour those sites as an introduction of the new board members to this kaupapa. From there we will develop our strategy for advancement.
The Foreshore and Seabed is up close and personal once again but we must be consistent with our proposals of repeal and replacement with a title derived from tikanga and kawa of each hapu and iwi which we have nominally called Tipuna Title. Given the Crown U-turn over the Tuhoe negotiations a don’t hold my breath over a favourable outcome but we must ensure that our mokopuna know that we have pursued every avenue to achieve a better system of tenure based on whakapapa.
Ka puta Matariki ka rere Whanui
Ko te tohu tena o te tau e.
When Matariki rises,Whanui(Vegas) flees,
This signals the new year!
So although things may seem “same ol’ same ol’” this is the time in which we cultivate new ideas and theories and put them on trial and into practice because experience has shown me that we can get bogged down in “same ol’ if we allow ourselves but it is my intention that we get ready to power up and leverage off all our past practices, relationships and activities. We owe it to our people, we owe to ourselves.
I will be representing TOKM at the International Whaling Conference in Morroco later this month preceded by a supporting speech at the International Mariculture Conference in Croatia for Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd on the way up, a testament to the increasing awareness of the world to Maori influence in marine environments and to the fact that we will vigorously espouse our rights domestically, nationally and internationally based on our tikanga, kawa and whakapapa.
Ka kitea a Matariki,ka rere te koroiro
When Matariki appears, the lamprey run to the sea
When the opportunity arises it must be taken!
Matariki... Mata ariki
The eyes of the gods are upon us
Tīhei Kahungunu.
Ngahiwi Tomoana
CHAIRMAN
Ngahiwi's travels to Morrocco
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