a u n e Wh Hakihea 2011 | ISSUE 1
Stepping Forward Shareholder Regaining Our Representative One Step Closer Ancestral Land Retires
Whenua page 2
Editorial
Dion Tuuta - Chief Executive Officer Poua ki runga, poua ki raro, poua iho rā ki te mounga e taumarumaru nei i a tātou te tangata me te whenua e hora ake nei. Nei rā ka tuku mihi kia rātou kua wheturangitia. Kua tangihia, kua mihia nō reira e te hunga wairua haere atu rā. Ka mihi anō rā kia tātou te hunga ora. Tēnā koutou e te whānau whānui ō Parininihi ki Waitotara, e te whānau whānui o Taranaki, puta noa ki te Ao.
from NZ Māori Tourism, the recently published book “Beneath the Māori Moon – an illustrated history of Māori Rugby” written by Malcolm Mulhullond. This first edition of Whenua online is the fruition of a collaboration between Amokura Panoho, our previous PKW Trust Kaitakawaenga, who has been free lance writing for a number of years supported by iStudios Multimedia. In accordance with PKW’s commitment to increasing shareholder awareness of their Incorporation PKW intends publishing 4 online editions of Whenua per year.
Welcome, to our first online edition of Whenua Magazine.
We hope that our next edition will also have contributions from other collaborations that illustrate the strategic engagements the Incorporation manages as we undertake our business throughout the year.
As we increase our investments in technology on our dairy farms, in the way in which we manage our organisational systems and look at other innovative investments, it seems only fitting that we embrace the new forms of communication that are emerging.
And finally, we wish you a safe and happy festive season and a productive 2012. Kia ora
We hope that by presenting this new online magazine our shareholders are able to embrace the use of the internet as it is rapidly becoming a very important communication tool in our daily lives. In an environment where the majority of our Māori population will be under the age of 25 by 2021 it is imperative that we find ways to attract them to become actively engage in our aspirations to manage our own ancestral lands. We are hoping that this online magazine can not only reach out to generations amongst us, but beyond our country’s borders to where our whanau are around the world.
Dion Tuuta
Readers may already have some knowledge on some of our story subjects as they might be your whanau, your friend, or your neighbour but we hope by integrating our core business with human interest stories we can showcase the talent that resonates within our people, and present another side to our organisation. We are not just about balance sheets, profits and shareholder dividends. We are an organisation that is made up of people who are dedicated to fulfilling the aspirations of our ancestors. We have also taken the opportunity of utilising the various tools this new technology opens up for us by providing links to video footage of grant recipient Tere Rei that was presented at our recent AGM, our online applications link and even music. It seems fitting that the words and music of the song, “Love Foundation” from Waitara based Soulovus provides easy listening as you peruse through the pages.
THE PRIZE
We are looking for your thoughts and ideas and the best received will win a copy of Beneath the Māori Moon. Send your email to office@pkw.co.nz or letter to PO Box 241, New Plymouth.
It’s an area we are keen to explore and we are open to your ideas and feedback on this new medium we are presenting to you. As a way of encouraging that feedback we have a special prize for the best letter or email with a generous gift
Whenua - Online Magazine Editor: Dion Tuuta Deputy Editor: Amokura Panoho Art Director: Matt King Photography: Scottie McKinnon, Rebecca Swan, Quentin Bedwell Graphic Design: iStudios Multi Media
PKW Postal: PO Box 241, New Plymouth 4340 Physical: Taranaki House, 109 Devon Street West New Plymouth 4310 Telephone: +64 (6) 769 9373 Fax: +64 (6) 757 4206 Email: office@pkw.co.nz www.pkw.co.nz
iStudios Multi Media 77B Devon Street East, New Plymouth 4310 Telephone +64 (6) 758 1863 Email: info@istudios.co.nz www.istudios.co.nz
Whenua page 3
Contents
e
Matauranga Āwhina Pākihi Whakamana
it k i h mi u a g N au ho T
STEPPING FORWARD - Newly elected chairperson Hinerangi Raumati putting her best foot forward. 2011 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DIVIDEND PAYMENT IMPROVING PKW ELECTION REVIEW INTRODUCING NEW PKW DIRECTOR - Toka Walden
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REGAINING OUR ANCESTRAL LAND ONE STEP FORWARD - Robert Walden ANOTHER MILESTONE ACHIEVED - David Macleod
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RETURNING THE GIFT OF LEARNING PKW TRUST GRANT APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUTGOING PKW SHAREHOLDER REP - Te Aroha Hohaia NEW SHAREHOLDER REPRESENTATIVE - Darryn Ratana
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ATTRACTING OUR WHANAU HOME 2012 AHUWHENUA AWARDS OPEN
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Meri Kirimete Com
plimentary m usic to enhan ce your reading experience. Support loca l Waitara / T aranaki band Soulovu s by visiting:
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Whakamana page 4
Stepping Forrward
After playing a key role behind the scenes Hinerangi Raumati is pleased to step into the leadership position of the Incorporation.
Whakamana page 5 In 2006 the PKW Incorporation was at a crossroads. With its operations essentially being run by an accountancy firm and with most of its Management Committee expertise flying into Taranaki from around the country, the ability for the Incorporation to reach its full potential seemed a long way off. Nevertheless, the existing members of the committee and shareholders were always on the look out for the expertise that would help to improve the way in which the Incorporation was managed. When a number of approaches from different people occurred throughout the space of a year, Hinerangi Raumati (Ngāti Mutunga, Waikato) decided maybe it would be worthwhile putting up her hand and in the same year was elected along with Tama Potaka to the directorship of the Incorporation. “I don’t remember doing my usual due diligence”, recalls Hinerangi who was the Chief Financial Officer for Tainui Group Holdings at the time responsible for managing $312m worth of assets in property, fisheries, tourism and managed funds. “But I had heard through the whanau about the Incorporation, that it represented the collective ownership of land most Māori whanau from Taranaki “We now have had a connection to.” Becoming the first woman elected to the Board was an important milestone for the Incorporation and coincided with the appointment of Hinerangi Edwards as the Associate Director. This auspicious event was duly reported in the March 2007 issue of Whenua along with mention of their respective whanau connections to the Incorporation.
Another major highlight for Hinerangi was completing the Gabba project reducing the associated debt and then three years later turning a profit for the organisation in 2011. “We now have momentum going forward after years of struggle. With the position as chairperson becoming available I thought it was time to step forward and give some visibility to the leadership I wish to provide.” Continuing the active management of land strategy and developing people are two challenging areas that Hinerangi recognises will be an interesting process. “Being humble and keeping a low profile is very much the Taranaki way”, says Hinerangi. “But we also need to balance that with being leaders and providing
momentum going forward after years of struggle. With the position as chairperson becoming available I thought it was time to step forward and give some visibility to the leadership I wish to provide.”
Having established her career amongst her whanau in Waikato where she was raised, Hinerangi was keen to show her worth to her Taranaki whanau. These credentials were immediately recognised by the Committee of Management who appointed her to chair their newly established Audit & Risk Committee. “Those initial years were a hard grind and required huge time commitment especially when we were governing an organisation with no staff of our own. One of the main highlights for me was the creation of the General Manager role in 2008 and the appointment of Dion Tuuta to the role.” “Getting agreement to having a management position was a big deal. With that position in place we were able to focus on developing our strategic plan. We had had a few goes at it but we have now got to the point where it has been approved and our people believe in it.”
leadership where we can. Large Māori incorporations have a role to play and we should not be frightened by it. I’d like to think that we can be innovative about how we do things.” Testing and being innovative about the models of development that can be applied to the management of Māori land assets is an area that Hinerangi is keen to pursue. “It is a constant learning process, where we have to remind ourselves of the experiences of the past, our shareholders expectations and then balance that with the realities of our business environment.” When Hinerangi isn’t working on PKW business or her existing role as Executive Director of Operations for Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, she is hanging out with her whanau, either at home in Botany Downs Auckland or back in the Waikato. This holiday season she is taking time out to visit her husband, Lalaosalafai Tapuai Tu’ua’s whanau of Sagone village Savaii, in Samoa. “He’s a secondary school teacher so I have to work around his schedule”, says Hinerangi with a smile.
“It is a constant learning process, where we have to remind ourselves of the experiences of the past, our shareholders expectations and then balance that with the realities of our business environment.”
Whakamana page 6
AnnualMeeting 2011
GENERAL
With approximately 250 people in attendance the Committee of Management were able to report the highest ever profit recorded in the history of the Incorporation and reinforce the strategic direction they have taken to date. Results have been driven mainly by;
25% increase in land rental from 1 January 2010 33% increase in dairy revenue due a record Fonterra payout 27% increase in crayfish quota and processing operations revenue due to higher demand from Chinese market $1.7 million return on Finistere Oceania investment Shareholders were also advised of the Incorporation’s intention to increase the use of online communication tools in an attempt to improve speed and regularity of information, which should result in administrative cost savings as well.
He Whenua, He Tangata, He Oran the vision statement that encapsu Incorporation seemed to resonate eve General Meeting held on 29 Octob Okaiawa.
Increasing the internal capacity of the Incorporation was also a feature of the improvements that were presented to the meeting. Financial Accountant, Nicky Clement, Farms Supervisor, Shane Miles, Administration Assistant, Teri-Rori Kirkwood and Registrar, Nedina Hohaia as new additions to the existing staff team were duly introduced to the AGM. Robert Walden (feature page 15) and Gary Fredrickson are the first Farm Managers appointed as part of the Incorporation’s goal to active Farm Management were also introduced with great applause. The election of directors to the three vacant positions also saw an increase in the number of applicants vying for the positions. A total of nine candidates including two incumbents, presented their credentials to the audience and an election followed. Toko Kapea and Taari Nicholas were re-elected and Toka Walden became the newest elected director. The 3 T’s are no doubt going to exercise their respective abilities for the duration of their three year term. Acknowledgements then focused on the departure of PKW Chair Jamie Tuuta, who has resigned to focus on his new appointment as Māori Trustee in Wellington. The AGM was completed with a superb hakari that allowed the participants an opportunity to mix and mingle and reflect on the achievements that have been made.
From top left: PKW staff Tahlia Haskell & Nicky Clement. Looking pleased after a positive AGM (Below) candidate Warren Skerritt and
Tracey Haupapa (Bottom) Outgoing chair Jamie Tuuta with PKW Director Bev Gibson catching up with Preston Bulfin and Satchko.
From top left: Michael Ahie with PKW CEO Dion Tuuta (Bottom) Kaumatua Peter White and Bel Tupe.
Whakamana page 7
Tere Rei
PKW Scholarship recipient Tere was unable to make the AGM but by being innovative he prepared a video to be shown in his absence. Living in Wellington and currently on leave from the Police Force, Tere is presently studying towards a Commerce and Administration degree (BCA) majoring in Economics and Finance and a Science degree (BSc) majoring in Statistics.
nga: Land, People, Prosperity ulates the aspirations of the en more strongly at the Annual ber 2011 at Aotearoa Marae,
Clockwise, from left: Kuia Ngawhakaheke Wetere and daughter Wiki Michalanney with Daniel Harrison. (Next) Dion Maaka, Financial Controller talking finance with Brad Tatere , Rabobank. (Next)Kuia Aroha
Hohaia, Christine Kershaw, Marie Ngaia and Sam Tamarapa happy to smile for the camera. (Next) Trish Wahanui, Liana Poutu, Allie Hemara-Wahanui, Jeannie Hughes, also happy to get in on the action.
DIIVIDmENpDroPvAYinMgENT
As reported at the Annual General Meeting in October the dividend payment is an improvement on 2010’s payout but fragmented shares remains an impediment. Due for payment this month the $1 per share dividend payment is a pleasing improvement from last year’s payment of $0.60c per share. Compared to a business like Fonterra who paid out a dividend this year of $0.30c per share, this represents the highest single dividend paid in the history of the PKW Incorporation and reflects a distribution of 11% of profits before tax. “The payment will be tax free due to our ability to pay out of our retained earnings when PKW elected to become a Māori authority in 2004”, explains Dion Maaka, Financial Controller. “The tax free nature of the dividend should last another 5-10 years subject to the level of dividend that is paid. Ultimately that depends on maintaining good business performance.”
Ensuring PKW Incorporation is kept up to date with shareholders details is the only way that shareholders will be guaranteed they will receive their payment. “We keep our database updated through court orders submitted to us from the Māori Land Court. But as you can appreciate when the shares are further fragmented through succession orders it becomes increasingly difficult for us to keep the contact and bank account details of our shareholders up to date.” Nedina Hohaia is the Registrar for PKW Incorporation and her job is to keep the shareholders registrar as current as possible. “I encourage our shareholders to regularly communicate with our office if they move so that we can ensure they are receiving their entitlements. Sometimes our whanau will lose their shareholder number but its just a phone call to our office or a letter that will ensure we can give you the right information,” states Nedina. “We can then make sure that we have their correct bank account details as well.” Dividend payments will be made to shareholders from the Incorporation via electronic funds transfer and cheque. The minimum dividend payment policy is $5.00.
Whakamana page 8
2011 Annual General Meeting, Aotearoa Marae Okaiawa.
Election Review
Whakamana page 9
With greater numbers of candidates putting their hand up for selection to the Committee of Management, the election process requires a clearer and more transparent process.
The election of Committee members is one of the most important decisions PKW shareholders can make. It is therefore important that the election process offers shareholders quality information on those seeking election. To improve the current process a number of special resolutions on this issue will be put to the April 2012 Half Yearly General Meeting. Current Process The current election process is determined by the Maori Incorproations Constitution Regulations 1994. This currently dictates that nominations for election to the Committee of Management are to be received up to 4 days prior to the AGM. This limits PKW’s ability to communicate quality information to shareholders about the candidates seeking election. Furthermore shareholders must attend the AGM to find out who has been nominated and participate in the election process. The Committee believes this process can be improved to allow all shareholders the opportunity to participate. Best Practice The Committee believes the current process can be improved by implementing the following changes: • Calling for and closing nominations for the election of Committee members well in advance of the AGM; • Provision of a standardised nomination pack including nomination profile/personal
statement form and Committee member position description to candidates; • Publication and distribution of a candidates’ profile with standardised voting forms along with the Annual Report; • Providing the option of postal and internet voting for shareholders who cannot attend the AGM; and • Contracting an Independent Returning Officer to manage the election process; Postal vote processes are now commonplace amongst a number of Iwi Post-Treaty Settlement Governance entities. PKW’s current constitution allows for postal voting if shareholders agree. Though slightly different from the current election process it is envisaged that the benefits to shareholders would include; • Increased Transparency – written details about candidates and their skill is received ahead of the AGM giving shareholders the opportunity to make a more informed decision as to who they believe has the skills and experience to lead the Incorporation; • Increased Participation– all shareholders will have the opportunity to vote regardless of where in the world they live • Increased Robustness – the process could be managed independently of PKW by an Independent Returning Officer. Proxy Votes PKW is legislatively required to provide a process for proxy voting and this would not change under the suggested changes. However the provision of more information would allow shareholders wishing to assign their proxy the ability to instruct their proxy holder who they wished them to vote for – if they so desired. It might also be the case that the use of proxy votes is made redundant by the ability to postal vote, in which case shareholders are further encouraged to participate but legislative requirements to provide for proxy votes are still met. The presence of the Chair’s discretion to accept proxy votes, in the absence of a policy
PKW
CONTINUES
detailing the circumstances in which that discretion will be exercised, does not contribute to a clear and transparent process. If there is a close off date prior to the AGM for all votes including proxies (that is well communicated and notified to shareholders) then this removes the need for the Chair to exercise discretion in accepting proxies.
One of the key aspects to the success of this revised election process will be providing clear and consistent communications to shareholders. The use of an Independent Returning Officer to manage the election process will alleviate the need of PKW personnel to be involved in the election process and provides assurance to the shareholders of a transparent process. Independent Returning Officer If the move to a postal and internet voting process is approved an Independent Returning Officer could also be appointed to manage the election process on behalf of PKW. There would be an increased cost associated with an engagement of this type but the benefits of utilising such a service would be just as significant in terms of the value it would add to the PKW election process, the transparency it would provide to the process and it would also free up management and administration staff to concentrate on other important work. The Committee is currently considering this option. Administration and Costs A revised election process could possibly follow the following timetable. June 2012 Whenua/Panui Call for Nominations August 2012 Nominations Close PKW prepares Candidate Profiles
Late September 2012 Shareholder AGM packs mailed out including annual report and candidate profiles Postal Voting opens October 2012 Postal Voting closes Friday before AGM Annual General Meeting held Ballot for shareholders wishing to vote in person and announcement of final results. A postal ballot process would increase administrative costs by virtue of additional information to be mailed out. However, the benefit of this process would be improved transparency and accountability allowing shareholders to have more details about potential Committee members before voting. Enabling a greater number of shareholders to participate in the selection of Committee members, not just those who attend the AGM is also a very real tangible outcome that could be achieved. Voting would continue on a shareholding basis. Constitutional Requirements Changing the election process would require amendment to the Constitution by special resolution as provided for under Section 4(1)(h) of the Māori Incorporations Constitution Regulations 1994 and Section 253A of Te Ture Whenua Maori Act 1993. A special resolution requires 75% support of those shareholders who vote on the Special Resolution. The details of the intended Special Resolutions will be promoted in the March 2012 issue of Whenua which will also include a feature of how to prepare a candidate profile.
Whakamana page 10
TokaWalden Introducing
new PKW Director
With generations of his whanau in farming adding a PKW directorship to Tokatumoana Walden’s existing portfolio of governance roles seemed inevitable. Ironically Toka (also known as Kevin) didn’t take to farming like many other members of his whanau have. [Refer to story page 15]. Instead his career has been predominantly in teaching, the public service and consulting.
Coaching rugby since 1992 he has also had the enviable record of taking a small rural team to big heights with the most recent being the Coastal team winning the Taranaki title in 2009. Knowing your community and understanding how to get the best out of them has its challenges. Toka has been immersed in that process as the present Chairperson of Taranaki Iwi Trust who signed their Terms of Agreement with the Crown in March 2010.
Toka feels that the strategic pathway taken by the Directors towards managed farms will go some way toward addressing the generational gap that now exists.
Toka met up with our deputy editor at Espresso Cafe recently to discuss his new role.
Whakamana page 11
Nevertheless, he feels that the timing is right to be able to participate as a director with PKW. “I think it’s exciting to become part of a strong team that has the right mix of skills and experience - who are showing leadership in our community. Being able to make a contribution is what motivates me,” says Toka. “Māori and Iwi are becoming more involved in business development in this country and we have so much untapped potential that is yet to be realised.” Toka feels that the strategic pathway taken by the directors towards managed farms will go some way toward addressing the generational gap that now exists. “We lost a lot of skills and experience in the late 1990’s when there wasn’t the finance around to support Māori into farm ownership. I’m keen to support the alignment of the grants for Rangatahi Māori to go to university, places like Taratahi or Ag ITO where once they’ve done the training we can link in the on the farm learning.” “Our ultimate goal should be about giving young Māori farmers the vision where they can see a pathway to farm ownership.” With his present advisory role with the Department of Conservation coming to an end, moving into a more senior public service role doesn’t appeal to Toka if it meant he would need to move away from Taranaki. “I am part of the landscape, and I made a conscious decision years ago to live and work here and I’m keen to settle our Iwi land claim. But I also believe that Taranaki offers lots of opportunities, I’m in no rush to go anywhere else.”
Pākihi page 12
TheFarm
Regaining Our Ancestral Land
In the past 10 years PKW has bought back 45 leases but there are still 300 perpetual leases on 18,000ha of Taranaki farmland, mostly dairy land. Though many shareholders know that PKW Incorporation has its origins in the 1865 confiscation and individualisation of 486,000ha of Taranaki land, the recent acquisition of more leases is a timely reminder of how much effort has gone into regaining the control of their ancestral land since the inception of the Incorporation. In 1880, 103,000ha were “returned” and leased out perpetually under the Public Trustee’s control and later under the Native Trustee’s control. It wasn’t until 1976 that the lands were transferred to PKW to administer the leases on behalf of the beneficial Māori owners of the land. At that time only 20,000ha remained as most of the land had been sold against the Māori owners’ wishes. Although the Māori Reserved Lands Amendment Act 1997 saw PKW achieve a compromise with the right of first refusal on lease sales, and the implementation of seven-yearly rent reviews, (down from 21 years) perpetual terms of the leases developed in the 1880s still remain in place.
“The perpetual seven year leases are a stable form of income for shareholders, but the land could be earning so much more if the Incorporation was farming the land itself ’, stated DionTuuta, CEO for PKW, in an earlier 2008 interview for Whenua “The value that comes from working our own lands far outstrips anything we could get as rent, both in economic terms and in terms of mana and selfrespect”. Dion also reiterated then the need for PKW’s management and shareholders to make a conscious decision to change their strategic approach in order to achieve a viable land management strategy. The Strategic Plan titled He Whenua, He Tangata, He Oranga initiated by the Committee of Management and endorsed by shareholders in 2009 has acted as a catalyst for that organizational change and strategic direction.
PÄ kihi page 13
The proposed site that PKW willl carry out the development relating to a turn key dairy operation skoping a new 60 bail rotary cow shed
Pākihi page 14
Kanihi Marae in foreground surrounded by part of the Willis farm.
PKW will acquire the three Willis leases in three stages, settling on 1 June 2012, 1 June 2013 and finally 1 June 2014 Taking a lead in making investments into improving technological capacity on the dairy farms had not only increased productivity but shown the wider farming community that the Incorporation is seriously committed to improving its financial performance. Following on these improvements the Incorporation has recently acquired the Willis and Murphy leasehold interests around the Tempsky and Hastings Road Okaiawa area. It is also leasing another block from Paul McLeod in the same area.
Lagoon leasehold purchase. PKW have been growing and building their relationships in the dairying community for a while now, so after working all my life on the farm since I was 16 years old we are ready to move on. When they approached us the timing was right and it seemed the natural thing to do,” says Ivan. PKW will acquire the three Willis leases in three stages, settling on 1 June 2012, 1 June 2013 and 1 June 2014. This will include purchasing all dairy company shares and acquiring stock and plant at valuation on 1 June 2012.
These lease acquisitions will bring together three separate properties Felicity and Ivan Willis outgoing lessors. into one significant land block of around 210ha with a milking platform of about 190ha to “This is a win/win deal for become the highest value farm in the entire PKW land portfolio. us and demonstrates that we are committed to regaining control of our whenua,” says Dion recently. The family of Ivan Willis, retired Chairman of the West Coast Settlement Reserves Lessees Association, has been associated “We will be applying a managed farm process and so we are with the farm for over 110 years when his great grandfather James looking to employ a Farm Manager and staff. We hope that some C Wright first settled on the land. of our extended whanau out there may be interested in coming back home to work for us in this new opportunity.” “Its happened pretty quickly and was triggered by the Tempsky
PÄ kihi page 15
One Step Closer RobertWalden
Pākihi page 16
Robert Walden is proud to be the face of Māori farming if it means that he can play his part in helping PKW move one step closer to active farm management. In his final report as Chairperson to the 2011 AGM held in October, Jamie Tuuta summed up the pride and excitement the Committee of Management felt in being able to implement the piloting from 20112014 of PKW’s first ever managed farms. This pride was extended to the successful appointment of Robert Walden as one of the two new Farm Managers, the other being Gary Fredrickson who was featured in Whenua September 2010. Robert’s return from farming in the Waikato to take on the Skeet Road 83ha farm signals a conscientious effort by PKW to match opportunity to Māori farming experience. Coming from a shareholder farming family added to Robert’s credentials as well as brother Toka Walden (refer page 10) who was recently elected onto the PKW Committee of Management. “We grew up on our family farm in Rahotu where my mother Roberta who is a PKW shareholder still resides and my younger brother Ian is now managing. Our great grandfather Mare Horo’s foresight to establish a farm on freehold land is probably the reason we have established our farming roots,” states Robert. “I suppose I’m like many other rural Māori of my generation, where you do your time in the freezing works and dairy factories as you are growing up. I went over to Britain for about four years but broke my back in a road accident in Scotland so came home to recuperate. I drove trucks for about 7 years settled down and had a family and then turned my hand back to farming.” Robert admits getting financial backing from institutions like Rural Bank or Māori Affairs Department in the 1970’s was close to impossible.
I suppose I’m like many other rural Māori of my generation, where you do your time in the freezing works and dairy factories as you are growing up.
“I started as a wage earner on what was a Māori Affairs block Parihaka No. 2, then a lower order sharemilker on Tipoka Road to 50/50 sharemilking for Ngāti Tū Whanau Trust, all in just three years. I had a point to prove about personal perceptions and I worked hard to pay off my herd.” With his father Eddie achieving recognition by the NZ Māori Farmers Awards with a couple of seconds and one third placement, Robert always saw the value of farm ownership. “Back in the 1960-70’s in order to be eligible you needed to be a farm owner. Today the criteria has changed. That’s what I like about PKW, they’re on the right track with the land issues. They are showing leadership and following through on what I know the shareholders want.” Recognising that you are never too old to learn is also an important philosophy that Robert says he has come to appreciate. Changed family circumstances meant that by 1990 he found himself starting all over again returning to lower order sharemilking to work his way back into financial stability.
Pākihi page 17
PKW will always be under the spotlight so the extra challenge for any Māori farmer who signs up to their vision is that they are consistently good across the board, otherwise their actions reflect on the rest of us.
Looking at improvements to technology on the farm is another area PKW has impressed Robert. “They are very safety conscious making sure we have good practices in place where there are hazards on the farm. Even down to having a rubber mat in the cowshed and high tech gumboots”, laughs Robert as he taps his heels and hardhat.
Throughout the highs and lows Robert still maintained a passion for farming and found the Māori Farmers Group established about 33 years ago as an invaluable support system. “Members are made up of Māori farmers from Marton, Wairarapa, Eketahuna, and Paihiatua. We normally do exchanges where we can spend up to four days visiting places within each region that might be of interest. For example when they have come here we’ve been to sites like the Whareora Plant even petroleum and gas plants, something they don’t normally get to see in their own backyard.” “We get to look at what they might be doing new, how they are working with Māori land owners and introducing technology onto the farm”.
“PKW will always be under the spotlight so the extra challenge for any Māori farmer who signs up to their vision is that they are consistently good across the board, otherwise their actions reflect on the rest of us. Reducing injuries on the farm is just one way of stepping up to the mark”. With preparations to host the PKW Farms Christmas party underway Robert is keen to celebrate with his colleagues what has been a momentous year. “Its important that whoever comes into these roles they understand the importance of hard work. I want to be able to find a way in which we can bring some of these young Māori who are needing direction to put on a pair of overalls and gumboots and get their hands dirty out on the farm.” “If I can show that there are real opportunities in farming and that PKW could be part of their future, then yeah I’ll be happy.”
Pākihi page 18
DavidM acLeod ANOTHER MILESTONE ACHIEVED David MacLeod’s successful nomination to the Fonterra Board of Directors signals another milestone for the organisation and at a personal level a significant achievement for David.
With whakapapa connections to Te Atiawa, Ngāti Mutunga, Nga Ruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngai Tahu and Ngāti Porou, David obviously has all the right elements that will enhance his leadership going forward.
As the youngest Regional Council chairperson ever elected he has been at the helm of the Taranaki Regional Council since 2007, as well as on the board of Port Taranaki, the National Council of Local Government New Zealand, all while maintaining his business Greaves Electrical based in Hawera.
Fonterra Whareroa Plant
Returning
Charles Bailey Scholarship 2011 recipient Dennis Ngāwhare may have been born and raised on the North Shore of Auckland but he has always thought of Taranaki as home. Like many other urban Māori, trips back to Dennis’ papakāinga were mainly for tangihanga and short visits to his extended whanau. Then in 1999 he made the decision to return to Taranaki to live on his family’s whenua near Okato.
Immersing himself in activities at Puniho Pā and Parihaka Kohanga Reo, Dennis soon realised he needed to improve his knowledge of Te Reo Māori so in 2001 he enrolled at WITT’s Rangiatea campus. His passion for learning then sent him to Victoria University in Wellington to advance his knowledge of Māori history, reo and tikanga. “The highlight of my academic achievements was to receive the Ruka Broughton Award and graduate with a Masters degree for research on Kurahaupō in 2008” says Dennis. A job at University of Auckland followed but before long he returned to Taranaki to continue his PhD research through Victoria University. Looking at the influence of written tribal histories on contemporary cultural practises at the Marae, Dennis describes this as a ‘contested space’.
TAppRUlSiTcaGtRioAnNsT
Āwhina page 19
THE GIFT OF LEARNING
“My research is situated in the rohe of Taranaki Tūturu. I believe my observations have been witnessed in many tribal areas and I hope my research will aid the understanding of both written and oral histories of my iwi. Better still it allows me to live in Okato help out at the Pā, both in the front on the paepae and out the back with a tea towel,” admits Dennis with a smile. As a recipient of the Charles Bailey Scholarship, Dennis is extremely grateful to the PKW Trust. “Due to changes to the Student Loan system this year I was declined a student loan. Fortunately the Charles Bailey Scholarship has assisted in payment of my fees. Tertiary study is very expensive, and tauira need all the help we can get.” Using his own experience as an example, Dennis actively encourages other students to return to their papakainga and to contribute their skills and knowledge to their marae and hapū, even if it is just as an extra pair of hands in the kitchen. “Individual success should be encouraged,” reiterates Dennis, “but it is the application of knowledge and skills in the community that helps the development of our people. The investment PKW has made in my education means I can continue on this path of learning and giving back.”
Parininihi ki Waitotara Trust grant applications now open
The Trust has implemented a number of important changes to its educational support programme throughout 2010/11.
The scholarship programme has now been restructured in order to provide larger multi year awards. This means that there will be a set amount of scholarships awarded each year. The Trust now provides:1 Charles Bailey Scholarship - $5,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years; 3 Post-Graduate Scholarships - $3,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years; and 5 Under-graduate scholarships - $2,000 per annum for a maximum of 3 years. Applicants for the scholarship programme are expected to perform at a high level of academic excellence to retain their award and are also expected to attend PKW Trust Annual General Meetings to present reports on their studies. Tertiary and Secondary grants are also now open for applications.
For further information refer to the link here http://www.pkw.co.nz/site/ scholarships/ The closing date for all online educational grant applications is 31 March 2012. Community, Sports and Cultural grants can be applied for throughout the year and allocations are made dependant on funding available and application forms are available through the office.
Contact or visit the PKW Office at Taranaki House, 109 Devon Street West, New Plymouth, 06 769 9373 or email office@pkw.co.nz for applications forms.
Āwhina page 20
After four years of involvement Te Aroha is happy to pass the reins onto the new appointee to make a constructive contribution. Appointed as shareholder representative to the PKW Trust in 2007, Te Aroha Hohaia has valued the experience and is looking forward to the opportunity to be involved in another role. This years October Annual General Meeting saw Te Aroha present herself as a candidate for election to the Board of the PKW Incorporation. Despite being unsuccessful she is upbeat about not being directly involved with the business of the Trust anymore after retiring from her role as shareholder representative. “I found the whole process a real eyeopener as you really get to see what is happening behind the scenes of the Trust and the Incorporation”, says Te Aroha. The shareholder representative is a Trustee of the PKW Trust but not a member of the Committee of Management for PKW Inc and Te Aroha always felt the position should have a three year tenure rather than be elected annually.
Year one for learning the ropes, year two for getting more involved with a project and year three for seeing the results of a project. However, she recognises the many changes
of grants. When I first came on board it was a 2-3 day process and now it takes about 3 hours in one afternoon. I can even access most of the information
Te Aroha Hohaia Ngā Ruahine, Te Atiawa, Taranaki
HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUTGOING SHAREHOLDER REPRESENTATIVE the Trust and Incorporation has undergone has impacted on the purpose of the role. “During my tenure we have been able to streamline the application process and I hope make it much more simpler. Especially when it comes to the decision-making of the allocation
from my computer at home”. Changes in making the scholarships multi-year grants and increasing the education grants from $250 to $500 is something she is extremely proud of. “As a student myself I appreciate having clarity about where your funding support is going to come
from over your years of study.” “A real highlight has been the increasing number of PhD students applying. That bodes well I believe for our succession planning and positions PKW as a formidable player in building the capacity of the Māori community in Taranaki and nationally.” “Most importantly I think that the trustees are a great reflection of what our people are capable of as they are intelligent, extremely capable and selfless people”. After four years of involvement Te Aroha is happy to pass the reins onto the new appointee to make a constructive contribution. “Our grant recipients are becoming quite innovative in the way in which they are able to report on the investment we have made to them. I’m looking forward to those ½ yearly and yearly annual meetings to see what else can be achieved by the Trust.”
Āwhina page 21
Darryn Ratana Nga Rauru Kiitahi, Ngāti Ruanui, Ngāti Rangiwewehi
P K W Tr u s t Representative may have been nomination but
Shareholder Darryn Ratana surprised by his he has a plan
When Kuia Aroha Houston and Betty Anderson successfully nominated Darryn Ratana for the shareholder representative position on the PKW Trust at the October Annual General Meeting, Darryn was caught unawares. Having not known much about the fundamentals of the role he immediately thought why not and is now looking forward to taking on the challenge. “I have to admit I’m not sure why the position exists, whether it’s a throw back to the 1980’s as far as the constitution is concerned in terms of providing a consistent voice for the shareholders around the table… but no doubt I will learn”, says Darryn. Being the chairperson of Te Kāhui o Rauru the governing body of Nga Rauru Kiitahi, Darryn meets with many other custodians of Māori grant funding and is keen to see how those connections might add value to his new role. “I guess part of learning how this works relates to common areas of interest I have. Workforce development for example is one way in which we can reconnect our people back to the whenua. “ “I’m keen to see how we can demonstrate sustainability by exploiting our natural affinity to our environment. Creating efficiencies around our grant scholarships seems a good place to be.”
“Workforce development for example is one way in which we can reconnect our people back to the whenua.”
economy Mātauranga page 22
59 5156.
rvices and products to help Sharing premises at Taranaki House has allowed PKW to form strategic relationships with its neighbours.
Attracting our whanau home
On average this year Taranaki has lost almost 100 people a month to Australia.
Get your national event here Between 2000 and 2011 Taranaki welcomed 1,669 more businesses and 9,340 more people to our regional workforce. Over the coming years our regional economy is forecast to continue growing – resulting in the need for more than 67,000 people working in Taranaki by 2026. Attracting 12,000 more workers and their families to the region has significant implications for Māori and non-Māori alike.
business, community and Iwi leadership. It also presents one of our biggest opportunities. How do we get more people to either come to or return to Taranaki, to grow their businesses, their families and whanau, their community and our region?
The retention and attraction of skilled people is one of the biggest challenges facing our region’s
We must ensure that the broader Taranaki community has the drive and the vision to provide
not only the infrastructural assets to welcome our diaspora back, but also the support mechanisms to fulfil their social, spiritual and cultural needs and aspirations.
It is only when we can welcometo our whanau Our unique ‘Host It Like No Other’ programme has been created help home, with the knowledge and experience they The greatest opportunity to meet our growth have gained beyond our Maunga, that Taranaki comes through our whanauto diaspora. will be able true economic potential. groups and businesses to getneeds their events Taranaki. Soto reach faritsthe programme We have found, through our global Facebook Maximising the opportunities that Taranaki holds As a region we face increasing competition in audience of 21,000, that Te Maunga Taranaki for our children and mokopuna will require new attracting new residents. We100 undoubtedly offer a organisations remains a powerful and potent link toto the bring thinking and innovative leadership. PKW will AGMs, has helped over local bid their conferences, desirable destination in which to live and work, thousands of Taranaki people living around the undoubtedly be at the forefront of developing but we are seeing record numbers leave for world. We are seeing many come home to catch the economic opportunities required to foster sporting, driving other to Taranaki, Australia long-term, an agingor workforce and the event up with friends, family and the regionwith itself, and excellent intergenerationalresults. wealth creation. To find out pull of jobs to rebuild Christchurch and meet the we need to create a reason and a framework that needs of the Auckland super-city. them to stay. is great but the longest journeys how expanding you can Host It Like No causes Other contact Paul on The 06challenge 5156. start with759 single footsteps.
Photo: Rob Tucker
Stuart Trundle, Venture Taranaki
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TARANAKI Te Puna Umanga
Mātauranga page 23
Calling all Ma¯ori Dairy Farmers and Friends and Whanau of our Ma¯ori Dairy Farmers
Kia ora katoa Entry is now open for the 2012 Ahuwhenua Trophy – BNZ Māori Excellence in Farming Award. This year it’s the turn of Māori Dairy farmers to accept the challenge and test themselves against some of the best dairy farmers in Aotearoa. Entering has great benefit for all competitors whether they make the finals or not.
Entrants receive: • • • •
independent, and honest feedback from highly qualified judges. detailed financial and physical analysis of their business invaluable benchmarking against similar farming operations an on-farm assessment and feedback from DairyNZ professionals
In addition, field days held on the finalists farms are great opportunities to share insights and develop new business relationships
the prizeS The three finalists receive: • $15,000 (minimum) of which $5,000 is cash and the remainder comprises sponsor products and services • A commemorative medal The winner receives • $40,000 (minimum) of which $15,000 is cash and remainder comprises sponsor products and services • A replica of the Ahuwhenua Trophy and a commemorative medal Entries close at 5pm on Friday 27 January, 2012 The winner of the competition will be announced at a Gala Awards dinner to be held at the SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre on 8 June 2012
Entry is free Enter the competition here: http://www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz/wp-content/ uploads/2011/10/AT-Dairy-Rego-Provisional_6.pdf Check out our latest newsletter here: http://www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz/ wp-content/uploads/2011/11/AT-D_Newsletter-Nov_05-v4.pdf Watch these mini-doco’s of the fantastic 2011 Final Gala Dinner and the 2011 finalists field days.
¯ori authoritieS, ecolab and tohu WineS. SponSorShip Support haS alSo been provided by landcorp, Federation oF Ma We acknowledge our partnership with tetari Mahi (department of labour) and acc to promote safety on farms
Waipapa 9 Trust Chair, Dawson Haa, holds the Dairy Trophy aloft on winning the 2010 competition
In TheIr Own wOrds
A selection of comments from previous winners about the benefits of entering the the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition.
“Entering the Ahuwhenua Trophy competition was an extremely valuable exercise. The outside audit by experienced and highly qualified judges showed us what we were doing well and where we could improve.” – Waipapa 9 Farm supervisor, Bob Cottrell. Waipapa 9 Trust currently holds both the Dairy and Sheep and Beef Trophies. “Growing and looking after people is as much a part of good business as governance and financial management. ....and the opportunity to help other farmers is just one of the wonderful offshoots of winning this competition.” – Kristen Nikora. Kristin and her husband Dean were the 2008 winners of the Ahuwhenua Dairy competition “Yes, entering the competition is a commitment. There are extra manhours and a bit of paper work around it but for us, that effort has translated into dollars and cents.” – Ingrid Collins chair of Whangara Farms, the winner of the 2009 Ahuwhenua Sheep and Beef competition.
www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz