Patience Te Ao elected Deputy Chair of Maaori Statutory Board
Te Arataura Deputy Chair Patience Te Ao (Ngaati Wai, Tauranganui Marae), has been elected Deputy Chair of the ‘Auckland Super City’ Maaori Statutory Board.
The nine members are: Mana Whenua representatives: Ms Anahera Morehu (Ngaati Whaatua); Mr Glenn Wilcox (Ngaati Whaatua); Mr David Taipari (Ngaati Maru, Ngaati Whaanaunga, Ngaati Tamatera, Ngaati Paoa); Mr Glen Tupuhi (Ngaati Paoa/Waikato-Tainui); Mr James Brown (Ngaai Tai Ki Taamaki, Ngaati Paoa, Ngaati Porou, Ngaa Puhi);
Maaori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples said the job of the Board was to be independent advocates representing the interests of mana whenua and mataawaka (residents who affiliate to tribes outside the region) in advising the new Auckland Council.
Mr Wayne Knox (Te Kawerau a Maki, Ngaati Te Ata);
Mr Sharples said he was pleased to welcome such high-calibre people to the task.
Mr Tony Kake (Ngaa Puhi, Waikato-Tainui),
Members of the Board were appointed by an Iwi selection body, comprising a member nominated by each of the mana whenua organisations within the Council’s district.
Ms Patience Te Ao (Ngaati Wai, Waikato-Tainui); Mataawaka representatives: Mr John Tamihere (Ngaati Porou, Whakatohea, Tainui).
In 1845 Te Motu a Hiaroa or more commonly known as Puketutu Island, was sold for the sum of five pounds and 10 blankets. In September of this year Waikato-Tainui signed a settlement agreement with Watercare Services that will see the freehold title to the island eventually transferred to a Trust. Waikato-Tainui and other tangata whenua groups would be represented on that Trust’s board. Donna Flavell, Manager of the tribe’s Claims & Environment Unit said the settlement would allow Watercare Services to proceed with a plan to deposit bio-solids only within the former quarry site, and committed the company to an extensive programme including native planting and landscaping.
“This settlement is a relatively small one but it is significant in terms of its recognition of WaikatoTainui’s claims in Taamaki-Makaurau,” she said. for your kete | tiihema |
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