Te Hookioi Issue 44

Journey of a lifetime | New appointments will accelerate progress Iwi partnership creates opportunity | Te Taarere aa Taawhaki series | What’s happening at TGH ISSUE 44 | HOOTOKE 2013 | HE PAANUITANGA WAIKATO-TAINUI | ISSN 1173-7530

These past few months have been momentous ones, for myself, my whaanau and for the tribe. By now many of you will have read or heard of my decision to step back from my official duties in order to seek treatment for this medical condition I am suffering. In one sense I have done this with a heavy heart, as no one knows more than I the burden of leadership and the twin responsibilities of Kaitiaki over this tribe and the Kiingitanga.

But in another sense I have been heartened by the messages of aroha and tautoko that I have received since the announcement of my decision on the same day as our Matariki Celebration. The appointments of my Kaunihera a te Kiingi (King’s Council) and that of my eldest son, Whatumoana, as Te Whirinaki a te Kiingi have given me faith that the mahi will continue in good and sound hands.

We are engaged in a momentous process of change. I want all tribal members to feel they have a voice and a part to play in putting in place a governance and representation structure that empowers our people and our Marae. We have a genuinely talented, highly qualified and very experienced team of people working for us and on our behalf.

I will never be far away and I will, of course, be keeping an eye on the key projects I have begun. However, my doctors and all others close to me have insisted that my future health and wellbeing is dependent on me taking this time out for urgent treatment and I have decided to take their heartfelt and genuinely given advice.

I expect that the mahi of the Working Party conducting the Governance and Representation Review will go on, albeit without my direct stewardship. I want to thank Tania Simpson for her service on that Committee as my appointee.

Equally, I want to thank Shane Solomon for accepting my request that he take Tania’s place for me. I took great heart from the discussions at the Matariki Hui-aa-Iwi. Overall attendance was around 400, with a good spread of representation across our Marae.

The mood for change was strong and largely positive.

We are engaged in a momentous process of change. I want all tribal members to feel they have a voice and a part to play in putting in place a governance and representation structure that empowers our people and our Marae. We have a genuinely talented, highly qualified and very experienced team of people working for us and on our behalf.

My most recent reports on the Consultation Process that the Governance and Representation Review Committee have engaged in with Marae and Hapuu is that Ngaati Hauaa invited the group back again on 7 July 2013, as

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most of their people were away or at other events, Tangi, etc.

Paaraawera Marae was cancelled for organisational reasons and was to be re-scheduled for another date. I want to stress that these processes are for your benefit and to ensure you are all given a chance to engage and be heard. Please take advantage of these meetings, as the people of this committee are also very busy in their own lives and jobs.

Make the time to go along and listen or have a say.

An interesting thought that occurred to me was that, the people on this Committee and in the Working Party have not worked collaboratively with each other before. If nothing else, this exercise is bringing the leadership of our various tribal entities together in a way that they have never done before.

Regardless of the outcome, and be assured that the people will ultimately have the final say on this, the fact is that these people are now regularly talking and listening to each other, so this can only be a good thing.

During the Hui-aa-Iwi, I did absent myself for an hour to go and watch the Kapa Haka regional finals at Hamilton Boys’ High School. It was unfortunate that the two events fell on the same day as this was where a huge number of our rangatahi were. As I watched them perform I was filled with pride in their commitment and the passion they showed. I pay tribute to the organisers and everyone who performed on that day, with particular congratulations to the winners, one of whom was my own daughter, Ngawai. You are all a credit to your Iwi and I was so proud of all your achievements.

In other news, in April I invited David Bishop Moxon to join me at the Papa-o-rotu Marae Poukai. The Bishop was recently appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Representative to the Holy See on behalf of the Anglican Communion as a whole and Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome. He and his wife, Tureiti, have been loyal supporters over the years and, at the Poukai, I presented the Bishop with a taonga to remember us by. I wish them both well.

In April the motu, Parliament and Maaoridom lost a great man with the death of the Hon. Parekura Horomia.

He was a tireless worker, a formidable operator – both in Parliament and out – a passionate advocate of tikanga Maaori and a strong supporter of the Kiingitanga. But more than these

things, he was a great and dear friend to me personally. I feel blessed to have known him and humbled to know that I was one of the last to see him before he passed.

I would like to reflect on the inaugural Matariki Dinner held at the College for Research and Development on 14 June. It is my wish that this become an annual event and serve as a platform for us to discuss and debate issues of significance to the Kiingitanga and to build linkages between politics, business and academia. We listened to addresses by the South African High Commissioner Mtombizodwa Msuthukazi Lallie and Professor Ranginui Walker. There was a nice moment when the ‘leaders of tomorrow’ – in the form of senior students from each of the Kura Kaupapa schools, were introduced to the leaders of today. Both Atawhai and I enjoyed the evening and I congratulate the College and the ringawera and kaimahi for a very enjoyable night.

I am going through a very sobering time right now dealing with my own mortality and health issues. I am advised that I should show some leadership to my people around the topics of diabetes, better lifestyles, quitting smoking, and other life threatening issues that afflict our people. I don’t disagree with this advice, but I want to talk about things that I can really demonstrate and show leadership on, not only because these things threaten my life, but because I can make a difference.

You see, I am not an expert on any of these topics and sicknesses. I do know it took a long time for diabetes and its effects to surface in my own life. I lived with most of the symptoms every day and knew nothing different. When I felt low or sickly, I just continued on in silence and took a Panadol.

I am sure this is what most people do, but now I am more respectful of doctors, specialists, and consultations with experts. I stay disciplined in attending important doctors appointments. It can be hard, but they are the experts and they can guide you.

Do not attempt your own diagnoses: Make the decision to see a doctor if you suspect something.

I have made a decision and have decided to do something about all of these issues including the smoking, diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes.

This is what I want to say to all of you who read this: Make the decision, you know the things that are right and wrong for you, your children, and your whaanau. You know how you feel and if you don’t understand what you are feeling or what your body is doing, go to a professional. I would like to say that I can help you all, but I know that this would be impossible. What I can say though, is that you contact your doctor and make the decision to go and see them.

Another silent killer of our men and women, is prostate and cervical cancer.

I am able to speak about prostate cancer as this has been a topic for the Order of St Lazarus, of which I am a Knight Commander. The Order has long been involved in implementing a screening program to assist early detection of the disease. I want to pay tribute to Rea Wikaira who has recently been diagnosed and found that the cancer has spread. I am supportive of this Rangatira going public in the hope that our people will attend to themselves in some way.

I want you to give this some thought, I am going to do what I can as my personal contribution to what I think will be a practical step for me to take.

I am very committed to helping and promoting awareness in this area. I do want to help our people take the first steps and will be asking Raukura Hauora o Tainui to look at ways for me to do this.

And one final note: the www.kiingitanga.com website is now being regularly updated. I want this to be the first port of call for people wanting to find out about events and issues of relevance to the Kiingitanga.

Paimaarire.

I have an addiction to smoking, I started at such a young age. I have to take my hat off and give praise to my wife, Atawhai, as she woke up one morning and just decided to quit. She has not touched a smoke since. She made the decision and then did it.

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RAARANGI UPOKO 5

Review review targets greater unity and prosperity

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Celebrating Matariki

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King’s mask sculpture unveiled

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Te Tira Hoe 2013

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Matahuru Marae

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New appointments will accelerate progress

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Staff profile: Michelle Nathan

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Partnership scholarships announced

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Te Taarere aa Taawhaki series

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There can be no research without development

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Solid year of performance

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What’s happening at Tainui Group Holdings

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Maramataka

comprehensive; identifying the core of the issues; and, factoring in the views of the people. She said all aspects of governance and representation are on the table for review and potential change.

“The involvement and participation of tribal members in the review process is absolutely critical,” said Nanaia. “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 take all views into account.

“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 views at the Hui-aa-iwi and we need to hear more.”

REVIEW TARGETS GREATER UNITY AND PROSPERITY The recently announced review of governance and representation structures is an opportunity for all tribal members to get involved in shaping the type of structure that will drive our tribe forward.

The review follows a call by Kiingi Tuheitia to seek a new, more efficient and effective way to deliver better outcomes for Waikato-Tainui, and members at previous Hui-aa-Iwi indicated a desire for change.

A Sponsor Group and Working Party have been formed and a further Hui-aa-iwi was held on 1 June 2013 to report back on progress. A Terms of Reference and criteria (see page 6) have been developed for tribal members to provide feedback, as have some early-thinking sample structure options that are intended as a means to initiate discussion and debate.

Kiingi Tuheitia has expressed his desire for tribal leadership and members to unite and work together in order to achieve the best outcome. The goal is for a new structure that will enable greater leadership, stability, effective decision-making, communication and accountability, which will allow the tribe to more effectively pursue social and economic prosperity.

Nanaia Mahuta, co-chair of the Sponsor Group, is responsible for providing strategic leadership and guidance; ensuring the review is

She said the Hui-aa-iwi held in June had been positive with tribal members keen to contribute perspectives and ideas. Key themes that emerged from the workshops were consistent and included: • A 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 "Early feedback recognises that given our complex commercial and development aspirations we need more skilled people to participate in our governance structure and this also requires a high level of tribal competence. Our review must incorporate a plan for how we will identify and develop that competence,” said Nanaia.

The support voiced by tribal members at the Hui-aa-Iwi represented a key step forward for the review and a round of consultation hui are taking place. These hui are an opportunity for members to access information, participate and provide input. Written submissions from tribal members are also invited and must be received by Monday 29 July 2013.

Consultation hui have begun with the next hui being held on Saturday 27 July

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from 9am at Waahi Paa and from 1pm at Poihaakena Marae.

The review team is scheduled to make a further report back to the iwi in August 2013. Nanaia said the team was prepared to take the time required to properly conduct the review and that 2015 had been pencilled for completion.

“This review will chart the course for our development and it is critically important that the outcome sets us up for a future of success,” she said.

Hui-aa-Iwi, June 2013: Observations from Nanaia Mahuta “It’s evident from initial presentations that the Kiingitanga is an intrinsic part of who we are as a tribe, and people want to be able to express what that means in relation to a modern governance structure.

“There was a positive indication that tribal members wanted change. There’s recognition that on-going litigation and negative press has dominated the perception that our governance and decision-making processes needed to be reviewed.

“Feedback from the Working Group highlighted the need to improve communication with tribal members so that they knew what major decisions were being considered and how tribal members could feed into that process.

“There were still outstanding matters that require further clarification like how the development aspirations of the tribe would deliver grass roots benefits like employment, improving well-being and supporting local entrepreneurs.”

GOVERNANCE AND REPRESENTATION REVIEW TERMS OF REFERENCE Issues Recognition Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Incorporated Society has been in existence since 1999. After 14 years of being the governance arm of Waikato-Tainui, tribal membership has expressed dissatisfaction and frustration with the current structure, rules and processes. They consider that the current structure and systems are not producing sufficient outputs to support the development aspirations of tribal members and is ill equipped to meet and deliver on tribal aspirations going forward.

They want greater leadership, stability, effective decision making, communication and accountability.

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They want calm, measured and well considered interactions between the members of the executive and governance groups.

Tribal members and stakeholders consider that the tribe’s governance is dysfunctional. There is division and dissent between Te Kauhanganui leadership and Te Arataura leadership.

Roles and responsibilities are not clearly defined. The role of the Head of the Kaahui Ariki is not clear within the structure, apart from appointing his representative he is excluded from the governance process. Legal processes and court cases have consumed tribal resources and dominated governance focus and caused reputational harm.

These matters have impeded the progress of tribal development.

The current structure is not delivering social and economic prosperity in line with the expectations and aspirations of tribal members. The significant potential of the tribal membership has not been engaged and co-ordinated in a mass effort towards prosperity.

Kiingitanga and tikanga are implicit and not explicit. Maaori governance principles have not meshed with introduced forms of governance and their contemporary requirements.

There is an over reliance on Paakehaa process and insufficient engagement of tikanga.

The Government has a Treaty obligation to provide tribal members with the same social and economic outcomes as non-Maaori New Zealanders. WaikatoTainui’s contribution to enhancing social and economic outcomes of tribal members should not substitute or subsidise the Government’s delivery of its obligations, or abrogate the Government’s responsibilities in any way. The respective roles of the Government and Waikato-Tainui in respect of social, economic, cultural and environmental outcomes needs to be more clearly defined.

Desired Outcome Kiingi Tuuheitia’s expressed desired outcome from this review is “... a new way, a better way, a more efficient and effective way and a more lucrative way to perform all of our duties and deliver a better outcome for the tribe.....”

Tribal members have expressed their desired outcomes as follows: 1. Kiingitanga to be our korowai 2. Effective leadership 3. The alignment of governance with tribal aspirations

4. Engage with tribal members Tribal members want a more ‘active’ tribal authority overseeing the investment of tribal wealth into identified areas of greatest need – employment, education, health and housing – with a greater focus on direct involvement in providing pathways to improved social and economic outcomes.

A key outcome of the Governance Review is to ensure that the Kiingitanga is the overarching korowai of all tribal activity and tikanga is integral, underpinning all tribal conduct. All tribal entities should operate with clearly defined scopes of operation, underpinned by collective and complementary responsibilities for the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefit of tribal members.

Tribal activities should not absolve the Government from its responsibilities.

The structure should provide strong, stable and skills-based leadership with effective decision making, clear communication and accountability.

Interactions between the members of the executive and governance groups should be constructive and respectful.

Tribal members should be engaged in a collective and co-ordinated effort towards prosperity.

Review Purpose The purpose of the Governance Review is to: - Clearly define the development aspirations of the tribe by reflecting the vision, goals and objectives of the tribe's long term strategic plan Whakatupuranga 2050.

- Identify within the current structure the key impediments to achieving the development aspirations of the tribe.

- Identify the scope of change required to the existing governance structure, roles, rules and processes to achieve greater efficiency, effectiveness and integrity of decision making.

- Identify improvements to the dispute resolution process in line with tikanga.

- Identify ways in which Kiingitanga principles and tikanga can support improved governance and decision making - Present options to key constituents for a governance structure that aligns with and delivers on the development aspirations of the tribe.

- Communicate options and secure approval for an improved governance structure

Roles and Responsibilities

Principles

Appointed by Kiingi Tuuheitia, two groups have been established for the purpose of advancing the Governance Review.

The following principles will guide the work of the Sponsor Group and the Working Party:

Sponsor Group • Kiingi Tuuheitia (Alternate - Tuku Morgan, Kaahui Ariki Representative) • Tom Roa - Chair of Te Arataura • To be confirmed Chair of Te Kauhanganui (this position will be temporarily filled by recently elected Deputy Chair Te Whakahawea Rapana) • Nanaia Mahuta - King’s Appointee, co-chair • Sir Henry van der Heyden Chair of Tainui Group Holdings, co-chair The role of the Sponsor Group is to: - Provide strategic direction and guidance to the Working Party - Confirm objectives and a programme of action for the Working Party - Consider options and recommendations from the Working Party - Consider any financial, political (tribal, local, national), stakeholder and reputational implications relating to this exercise - Oversee communications and engagement with key constituents - Report on progress to Te Kauhanganui in May - Report on options to the Hui-aa-Iwi held 1 June.

Working Party • Parekawhia McLean - CEO of the Waikato Lands Trust • Tania Simpson - King’s Appointee • Mike Pohio - CEO of TGH • Rangi Whakaruru - CEO of the Office of the King The role of the Working Party is to: - Analyse feedback and advice from various forums and relevant sources.

- Identify problems with the existing tribal governance model.

- Prepare preliminary options for discussion purposes.

- Develop a communications and engagement strategy - Prepare options for discussion with key constituents - Provide progress report for Te Kauhanganui General Meeting - Provide options report for Hui-aa-Iwi held 1 June.

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Transparency Accountability Engaging key constituents Encouraging feedback Outcomes focused

Meetings - Sponsor Group meets weekly - Working Party to meet weekly with Sponsor Group and as required.

Communications Terms of reference to be posted to the website of the Office of the King at www.kiingitanga.com and on the Waikato-Tainui website: www.waikatotainui.com Sponsors Group presented to Te Kauhanganui meeting on 25 May 2013 with scope and terms of reference.

Report given at June Hui-aa-Iwi. A communications strategy will be drafted to outline on-going communications relating to the review.

Review Process - Analyse the feedback from the Waikato-Tainui Hui-aa-Iwi (5 February 2013) and the Waahi Huiaa-Iwi (July 2012) and other relevant key documents to produce a concise summary of key issues and problem definition (this could also fulfil the Te Kauhanganui request for a scoping study).

- Design key principles, criteria and/or framework to guide the development of options to achieve the desired outcome.

- Test problem definition, key principles and key assumptions with tribal members.

- Prepare preliminary options for discussion consideration by constituent organisations, Kiingi Tuuheitia and tribal members.

- Further development to continue on the basis of direction and feedback from Kiingi Tuuheitia, constituent organisations and tribal members.

- Undertake a timely review to lead into the next election of Te Kauhanganui.

Review Criteria

• Kiingitanga and Tikanga are expressed within structure • Waikato upholds it role as Kaitiaki of the Kiingitanga • Tikanga and Maaori governance principles are meshed within structure • Roles and responsibilities clearly defined • Provides for leadership, stability, effective decision making, communication, accountability, transparency and calm conduct • Is aligned with producing outputs to support development aspirations • Tribal members are engaged in a mass effort towards achieving prosperity • Role of Government and WaikatoTainui are clearly defined.

Participate, Contribute, Get Involved There are a number of ways that tribal members can participate in the review and stay updated on progress: • Consultation hui will be held regularly to seek the views of the people as the review develops • Regular Hui-aa-Iwi will be held to report progress and development • Regular review updates, consultation hui dates, and Hui-aa-Iwi dates will be posted to www.waikatotainui.com and on Facebook (Ko Waikato te Awa, Ko Waikato te Iwi) • 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 • Every issue of Te Hookioi will include a comprehensive update of progress through to completion of the review • 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 freephone 0800 TAINUI

TURN UP, BE INFORMED, HAVE YOUR SAY, PARTICIPATE

• Kiingitanga is the overarching korowai • Role of Kaahui Ariki is clear within structure

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KING’S MASK SCULPTURE UNVEILED

CELEBRATING MATARIKI An annual event widely regarded as one of the most important in Maoridom was approached collaboratively by Waikato-Tainui and Waikato District Council this year.

The two entities united to organise a series of themed events celebrating Matariki, commonly known as the Maaori New Year and is marked by the rising of the cluster of stars named Pleiades.

Matariki signifies harvesting of crops and planting of new ones, a time to reflect, honour and acknowledge loved ones, preparation for the future, and a time for learning and preserving traditional knowledge, language, customs, culture and history.

Matariki represents many things but more importantly it is a festive time, a celebration of people and the rich cultural fabric of this country.

Waikato-Tainui Chief Executive Parekawhia McLean spoke of the partnership: ‘‘We have partnered with Waikato District Council which was a first for Matariki. ‘‘And just as unity and connection are essential elements of Matariki, so too must we proceed with a sense of unified purpose.’’

Celebrations were launched with the dawn ceremony at Ngaaruawaahia to unveil a new steel sculpture of the tattooed faces of Kiingi Pootatau and Kiingi Taawhiao standing about eight metres high at the Octagon Park with a cloak moulded from Oamaru stone.

It stands opposite the King’s office in Ngaaruawaahia and faces towards a monument to Kiingi Potatau which was already in place.

For the first time Kiingi Tuheitia hosted a formal Maaori New Year dinner at the Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development where up to 150 invited guests attended to celebrate the Kingitanga and the beginning of the new year.

Speakers included Professor Ranginui Walker and the South African High Commissioner Mtombizodwa Msuthukazi Lallie.

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When Kiingi Tuheitia unveiled the ‘King’s Mask’ sculpture on 1 June it marked the beginning of Matariki and the commencement of his second Hui-aa-Iwi. However, for a number of those present it also marked the end of a chapter in a story that began five years ago, when Waikato-Tainui commissioned an artwork from master carver Inia Te Wiata and Wikuki Kingi Jnr. The brief was for something that would celebrate 150 years of the Kiingitanga and provide a lasting reminder to everyone – tangata whenua, tauiwi and manuwhiri – of the importance, and centrality of the Kiingitanga to Waikato, the region and the motu.

The resulting work is a powerful and dramatic sculpture that now stands in the Octagon Park, opposite Tuurangawaewae House in Ngaaruawaawhia.

The use of stainless steel was intended to highlight the enduring nature of the Kiingitanga and the mana of its first two leaders. “We wanted to blend Maaori history with Paakeha technology,” said Wikuki. “We also wanted to create something that would symbolise the messages of peace and partnership that both Pootatau and Taawhiao urged their people to follow.”

The day of the sculpture’s unveiling saw a large crowd gathered to hear speeches from the King’s eldest son, Ariki Tamaroa Whatumoana, Mayor Alan Sanson and WaikatoTainui Chair, Tom Roa. With everyone working together, great things were achieved, said Whatumoana.

FROM THE KING… “As I sit and gaze at this art work from my office, I worry about how over the last 10 to 15 years things like Playstations, computers, Facebook and other distractions have taken over the lives of young people including many children around me, which I put down to the influence of entertainment. In my time, and at around the same age as these ones today we had

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none of these things. We found our entertainment in simple things, creating most of it from our imaginations.

I was brought up around a lot of people, some of whom were very talented. These people used their time and talents to create some of this tribe’s, indeed some of Maoridom’s, best pieces of art. My son Korotangi, is showing very encouraging signs of a talent that he is comfortable with and is pursuing as a craft into his adulthood. I am pleased about this and I do hope that other young people, just as talented and gifted, do the same – this is the positive influence of art.

Art, as opposed to entertainment, is what produced the Kings’ Mask sculpture. For many years, I looked as I passed the signposts on State Highway One along side the old rubbish tip. The posts were simple, with a picture of Kiingi Taawhiao on them, indicating that people were entering the domain of Kiingi Taawhiao – his footstool. The placement of these signs used to annoy me, but then again, our people offered nothing else as an alternative. I am so glad those signs have been removed and have now been replaced with this striking piece of art that all can enjoy.

But this is only the beginning of what I see developing around the sculpture. To start with I would like to see the name of the park changed to something that reflects more of a pavilion than simply a ‘park’. A place where we can put more of the Kiingitanga history and our previous ariki on display and exhibition. I can see a custom-designed space that would invite and encourage people who want to learn about us and the Kiingitanga. It would be a place for people to come who are interested in dwelling for a few moments among some of our most treasured taonga and maatauranga from our history.

It would be an area that would be respected and a place we can gather annually and remember the contribution and place the Kiingitanga has made and is, in Aotearoa.

Paimarire.

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JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME

For Turangi-based mother and daughter Anita Porima and Kiana Turanga, the chance to be part of this year’s Te Tira Hoe o Waikato was a “spiritual journey of a lifetime” that they both agreed was too good to miss.

“A work colleague sent me a link to the article in Te Hookioi and after reading it, I was really keen to give it a go and asked my daughter if she’d like to join me,” said Anita.

KO TOKU AWA KOIORA I was privileged and honoured to participate in this year’s Te Tira Hoe. There were four double-hulled waka, each crewed by 12 paddlers (mostly novice paddlers like me) with support crews on the river and on land. A major undertaking by anyone’s measure so a mihi goes out to the River Trust (WRRT) - affectionately known as the ‘River Rats and Mice’ - who organised this awesome adventure.

The four crews were assigned names of four of the taniwha who accompanied Tainui Waka on its journey from Hawaiki to Aotearoa; Paneiraira, the dolphin who broke the waves, Mawakenuiorangi and Ihe, two whales who on either side of Tainui provided balance when needed, and Mangohikuroa, the shark who circled the pack, protective of it.

We kicked off our journey with warm-ups, stretching, mirimiri, safety reminders while always being mindful of the mana of the awa. As we started our journey we were all amazed at being able to see through to the bottom of the awa, but as we paddled through Kirikiriroa, the water was noticeably different due to the discharges into it. So koorero from the WRRT on co-management and collaboration initiatives to revive the mana of the awa were well received by all the paddlers.

On our journey we also heard koorero on the histories of each area we stayed at or passed through – koorero from Ngaati Tahu, Ngaati Whaoa, Koroki Kahukura, Ngaati Wairere, Tuurangawaewae and Ngaa Tai E Rua Marae, and Te Puuaha o Waikato, koorero which will never be forgotten.

This year’s Tira Hoe was a worthwhile experience and I encourage all Waikato-Tainui tribal members to participate in future.

Tom Roa, Chairman, Te Arataura.

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“For us, it meant being able to strengthen our ties with our Tainui whaanau, reconnecting with our stories and the history of the awa.”

Like her mum, Kiana (18) wanted to learn more about her Waikato-Tainui whakapapa. “My grandmother has passed away and my grandfather many years before her, so I was intrigued to join my mother. I felt it would be a great honour as the first moko of my grandparents to experience this haerenga.”

The pair, from Waipapa Marae and of Ngaati Hikairo descent, joined 107 participants and support crew and paddled 125kms of the Waikato River, beginning their journey at the source of the Waikato River - Waikato Iti, and finishing at Te Puaaha o Waikato. This is the third Te Tira Hoe o Waikato.

Held over four days during Easter, participants learnt tribal histories shared by kaumaatua, experienced marae noho, visited a number of waahi tapu, and heard koorero about other river iwi including speakers from Ngaati Rangi, Ngaati Tuuwharetoa and Ngaati Tahu-Ngaati Whaoa.

“I learnt everything I was expecting to and so much more; not only about my iwi but most of all how tapu our awa is and the importance of rehabilitating our awa back to its true beauty,” said Kiana. “There were so many stories from our kaumaatua, and the stories of different whenua along the awa were absolutely mind blowing.”

A tono from Ngaati Tahu-Ngaati Whaoa at the last tira hoe in 2011, asking to join in this year’s journey, saw a crew of 12 tribal members join with Waikato-Tainui in the paddle from Ohaaki Marae, Reporoa to Orakei Korako.

“Since the first tira hoe that was held in 2008, one of our primary objectives has been to reconnect tribal members with our tupuna awa,” said Taipu Paki, Implementation Manager at the Waikato Raupatu River Trust.

The inclusion of other river iwi like Ngaati Tahu-Ngaati Whaoa reflected the “collaborative and inclusive

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approach” that would be needed if we are to achieve the aspirations of our river settlement he added.

“The responsibility isn’t solely ours, and so it’s important that opportunities to engage, educate, and share knowledge about the awa with our tribal members a,s well as others, are taken advantage of.”

Ranging in age from 18 - 63, many of the participants had little or no waka ama experience, so the challenge was a physical and spiritual one for many, explained support crew member and Sport Waikato District Coordinator Amiria McGarvey (Ngaati Amaru, Te Awamaarahi Marae).

“I’ve been involved in every tira hoe since it started, and each one presents its own unique memory for tribal members, not only as individuals but also as a roopu.

“I’ve been fortunate to see how integral mahi like this is to bringing our people back on the awa, and for them to then share their experience with others.”

That sense of “whaanau” and “bringing people together” is what makes the tira hoe a huge success.

“We were divided into four waka, with each of us taking the name of taniwha that accompanied the Tainui Waka on its journey from Hawaiki – Ihe, Mawakenuiorangi, Paneiraira and Mangohikuroa. And just like whaanau, everyone bonded…so much so that waka salutes and chants kept us together.”

For many participants, arriving at Te Puaaha o Waikato on the final day proved to be an “overwhelming and extremely emotional event” said Anita, a Programme Manager with the Department of Conservation.

“One of the most memorable moments for me was when we were chanting out our salutes as we approached the head waters at Port Waikato; it left me with an overwhelming and immense sense of pride.

“All our whaanau who participated on this journey made a lifetime bond with each other. I’m sure each and every one of us was empowered and even more proud to be WaikatoTainui.”

Like her mother, Kiana said it was an unforgettable experience that will stay with her forever.

“I have encouraged all my cousins from Waikato-Tainui to do the next tira. It was breath-taking and for me, the tira hoe was about rangatahi of today stepping into the footsteps of our tupuna.”

A DVD of the tira hoe is being produced and will be provided to participants once it is completed.

Check out the Waikato-Tainui facebook page for photographs from the 2013 Te Tira Hoe o Waikato: www.facebook.com/Waikato.Te.Iwi.

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MATAHURU MARAE Despite almost 20 years of challenges the redevelopment of Matahuru Marae is nearing completion.

Plans to give the marae a facelift have been in motion for more than a decade with the original marae committee elected in 1999.

Affiliated member Tawera Nikau says Matahuru Marae is moving from phase four - constructing the wharekai and ablutions - to phase five which involves the construction of the wharenui.

“The planning phase of this project took 12 years. The actual infrastructure, wharekai and ablution construction work took about eight months,” says Tawera.

“After performing the initial research, a feasibility study was developed in 2005 and the next phase involved geo tech reports to determine the stability of land for the proposed building. That included soil tests of the surrounding land, water quality testing and drainage requirements according to council regulations and the Resource Management Act. In 2007, the old kaauta and surrounding buildings were removed to allow excavation of the entire building site.

Approximately 4400m2 area of land previously used as a papakainga was lowered 1.5m – 2.0m to increase the usable land area for larger buildings. From 2008 through to 2012, final compliance work and resource consent was sought. The funding strategy was then implemented and in early 2012 we received funding to complete the wharekai.’’

He says a catalyst for the building project was the desire to create stronger foundations within whaanau links.

“Matahuru has been subject to many challenges over the last 20 years. Our extended family had fragmented and many branches felt disconnected from their kainga.

Elders of the time instructed our generation to rebuild our relationships with each other and this new marae is symbolic of this.

“We also consider our marae to be a legacy of our ancestors who served the Kiingitanga and the iwi for generations, many of whom, although there at the beginning, did not live to see its completion. The marae is not only for us but for our wider community and has already been used by the local schools and neighbouring farmers making it, once again, an asset to the whaanau and wider community.”

The project, which has been aided by an annual WaikatoTainui grant, has estimated costs totalling $1.7 million with the wharekai and ablutions costing just over $1 million.

“However, this doesn’t include the many thousands of voluntary man hours spent researching, planning and consulting with the wider whaanau and consultants over the years. The Waikato-Tainui annual grant was definitely invaluable along with the substantial lump sum from the Marae Facilities grant of $400,000. We also secured funding from the Nikau Whaanau Trust, Trust Waikato, Genesis, and the DIA. We are humbled and eternally grateful for the support of the tribe and our other funders,’’ says Tawera.

Top photo (L-R): Manihera Forbes and Kiriwai Mangan. Bottom Photo (L-R): Tui Kaa and Ka

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NEW APPOINTMENTS WILL ACCELERATE PROGRESS A newly developed strategy to advance social development outcomes and increase communication with tribal members has led to the recent appointment of four positions at the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust.

Three of these positions, Project and Business Support Advisor, Employment Broker and Marae Development Advisor, are new roles within the Tribal Development Unit and boost the unit’s capacity to deliver on current and planned development initiatives. These include establishing a business incubation unit, trialling a building certificate programme, and looking into the feasibility of social housing and an iwi saver scheme.

“A lot of these proposed initiatives are the result of feedback we’ve received from our marae and iwi members telling us what their needs are,” says Michelle Nathan, Tribal Development Unit Group Manager.

“Our people’s primary concern is their social health and wellbeing, education, employment and training opportunities, and business and development.”

She says while tribal members have seen the value of treaty settlements they now want to see tangible benefits and outcomes as well as more engagement from the tribe.

“The Unit’s role is to identify opportunities for iwi members and support these in the best way that we can. If an opportunity comes to us, then it’s our responsibility to ensure our iwi members are informed and receive the maximum gain.”

Manihera Forbes (Ngaati Hikairo, Tainui-a-Whiro) has been appointed Project and Business Support Advisor. Manihera is a Barrister and Solicitor and worked with Sealord Group Ltd as Legal Compliance Manager. In 2009, he was awarded the Te Ohu Kaimoana Global Fisheries Scholarship and spent a year in Japan with Nippon Suisan Kaisha, the world’s second largest fishing company.

Kawena Jones (Ngaati Mahanga) has been appointed Employment Broker. Kawena is the former Finance and Administration Officer at the Te Ahurei a Rangatahi Trust where his responsibilities included managing relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. He is an active community volunteer, contributing to several rangatahi-based initiatives including the Rise & Shine Festival in Hamilton.

Tui Kaa (Tainui-a-Whiro) has been appointed Marae Development Advisor. Tui was the Industry Partnership Advisor for the Ministry of Social Development and worked in a secondment role to Waikato-Tainui promoting employment and training initiatives. She brings significant project and relationship management experience and a strong record of promoting Maaori community development.

Kiriwai Mangan (Ngaati Mahuta, Ngaati Te Kiriwai, Ngaati Pouraahui) has been appointed Communications Advisor.

Kiriwai graduated from the University of Waikato in 2009 with a Bachelor of Communication Studies, majoring in Public Relations and Te Reo Maaori. She spent three years working for the university in a communications advisor role and was employed at Te Waananga o Aotearoa within its marketing team. and Kawena Jones

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STAFF PROFILE: MICHELLE NATHAN Her aspiration for the tribe is clear and she thrives on being held accountable to marae and tribal members.

members, which she describes as “truly significant and rewarding.”

Tribal Development Group Manager Michelle Nathan’s vision for Waikato-Tainui is evident: to achieve a state of interdependency in the medium term, where the 68 marae and 64,000 tribal members are actively engaged and determining the activities of the tribe across commercial, cultural, social and economic development.

Her role sees her responsible for delivering the outcomes that have a direct impact on our people and marae. The Tribal Development Group’s core function is to deliver the social, cultural and economic objectives as identified within Whakatupuranga 2050. This includes a range of education, health, housing, employment, financial wellbeing, heritage, reo and tikanga, and whakapapa initiatives.

‘‘Where the tribe is seen as the ‘enabler’ and ‘empowering our people’ is about reciprocity and underpins this state of interdependency. Only then do I believe we will be able to transition to a true state of Waikato-Tainui independence, that is my vision,’’ says Michelle.

Michelle (“proud to be Te Aupouri, Ngaati Porou, Waikato”) grew up in Huntly amongst the whaanau of Waahi Paa and Te Ohaaki Marae. Her working life has included roles with both Maaori and mainstream organisations and it is this mix of experience that she draws on to add value to the tribe’s development.

She joined the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust in 2011 and relishes the accountability back to marae and tribal

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Michelle holds a Masters of Social Science and is currently completing a postgraduate diploma in management.

Outside of mahi Michelle is an avid rugby league fan. She is a long-time supporter of Taniwharau Rugby League Club and regular attendee at the State of Origin games in Australia.

And as someone who has battled with ill health for much of her life, making the most of every day is her priority.

“Most days I wake up and think ‘carpe diem’ - seize the day!,” she says.

PARTNERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED

Waikato-Tainui has partnered with Mighty River Power and Beca to offer scholarships aimed at encouraging and supporting tribal members to take up careers in engineering.

Four scholarships have been created and the recipients are: Waikato-Tainui/Mighty River Power Partnership Scholarship: Dale Verstappen and Clark Taylor.

Waikato-Tainui/Beca Partnership Scholarship: Tamoko Ormsby and Janei Leota.

These scholarships are a recognition of each student’s progress with their studies to date. To qualify they must be excelling in the field of engineering.

Dale (Tuurangawaewae Marae) is currently in his second year at Wintec, studying towards a Bachelor of Civil Engineering.

He excels academically and aspires to practice sustainable management for the Waikato River.

Clark (Hukanui Marae) is studying towards a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honors) at The University of Auckland. Having achieved impressive academic results, Clark has a bright future ahead of him in the engineering discipline.

Tamoko (Tuurangawaewae Marae) and Janei (Maurea and Horahora Marae) are both studying towards a Bachelor of Engineering (Honors) at The University of Auckland. Through his degree qualification, Tamoko aspires to improve socioeconomic issues faced by Maaori. The Partnership Committee was impressed not only by his academic success but also his admirable character.

Janei is also a great representative for Waikato-Tainui with efforts being made to attract more women into engineering.

Julian Williams, WRRT Strategy – Manager says, it is a pleasure to support our rangatahi in these fields. “With young people such as these, the tribe’s future in the engineering field looks extremely bright. We look forward to bringing them in to provide technical advice on tribal projects to continue their development”.

Congratulations again to Dale, Clark, Tamoko and Janei.

We wish you all the best in both your academic and career pursuits.

____________________________________________________________________ Top photo (L-R): Clark Taylor and Dale Verstappen- recipients of the WaikatoTainui/Mighty River Power Scholarship.

Bottom left photo (L-R): Tamoko Ormsby and Janei Leota- recipients of the Waikato-Tainui/Beca Scholarship.

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TE TAARERE AA TAAWHAKI SERIES Waikato-Tainui College for Research and Development is a hive of knowledge as the research of past and present scholarship recipients is shared with tribal members.

Last year the College re-established the postgraduate seminar series, Te Taarere aa Taawhaki, to provide tribal scholarship recipients (past and present) with an opportunity to discuss their research.

This year’s seminar series kicked off with a seminar – Tribal and Cultural Heritage – held on 30 May. ‘‘The idea of the series came about following the 1995 WaikatoRaupatu settlement, at which point the tribe invested heavily into targeted education scholarships at postgraduate level. It is really important to hold the seminar series because it’s an opportunity for our whaanau, hapuu, and iwi to see and experience firsthand the investment made by the tribe into education post-1995; and provides the space for our current and past postgraduate students to present their research to their people,’’ says Academic Development Manager, Maehe Paki.

During the first seminar, Dr Raukura Roa (Waikato-Tainui, Maniapoto, Ngaati Hauaa, Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura, Ngaati Apakura, Ngaati Raukawa) presented: Pito ki te paepae: revitalizing the cultural health of our paepae, via Skype.

Raukura has a PhD from the University of Waikato and is currently a Fulbright Scholar in Residence at the University of Hawai’i in Maanoa. Her research interests include language and cultural revitalisation, kapa haka and mooteatea. Her current research project is Indigenous Erotica - exploring erotic themes in Maaori and Hawaiian waiata and mele.

Raukura was joined by Dr Wahineata Smith who spoke about Te hiranga o te whakapapa ki te tuakiri Maaori.

Wahineata is currently an External Relations Manager at Te Wharekura Takiura o Manukau (MIT). Affiliating to Waikato-Tainui through Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura and hailing from Poohara Marae, she has a PhD from AUT University.

Wahineata presented on her PhD journey with particular reference to the notions of Ahikaa and Raawaho and the limitations associated with them.

The final speaker, Kirimaaku Kihi, presented My Journey with the Kiingitanga. Her current studies include working towards a Te Waananga o Raukawa Master’s in Maatauranga Maaori at the College.

Upcoming seminars include:

Leadership and Entrepreneurship on 25 July.

Research and Innovation on August 29.

The Waikato River on November 28.

Seminars are held in the College’s dining hall from 6.30pm-9pm and are open to all tribal members.

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THERE CAN BE NO RESEARCH WITHOUT DEVELOPMENT When Sir Robert Mahuta said “there can be no research without development and no development without research” he meant that any research that we engage in, needs to have direct benefit to the tribe. Many of our College students are doing just that by researching kaupapa that are tribal focused but which also have relevance to tribal advancement and wellbeing.

Being able to do the MBA programme at the College has been an inspirational journey for Bryce Turner. Affiliating to Te Tokanga nui aa noho and Reretewhioi Marae, Bryce is nearing the completion of his MBA. His major research project focuses on the importance of financial literacy for the tribe. He explores the barriers that exist within the tribe when engaging with financial reports and offers possible solutions for overcoming these barriers.

Drawing on her talent and love for kapa haka, Kirimaaku Kihi (Maurea Marae and Waahi Paa) is in the thick of her research on the Taahuhu Maatauranga Maaori programme. She’s writing about the compositions and origins of Taniwharau Kapa Haka group. An Assistant Principal and senior kaiako at Te Wharekura o Raakaumangamanga, a composer, a mother of eight and grandmother to 36 mokopuna, Kirimaaku said she enjoys doing a topic that she’s so passionate about. She hopes that her research would in some way be able to add to the growing body of research that our rangatahi would be able to draw on in years to follow.

GROWING THE RESEARCH TALENTS OF OUR INTERNS Following the success of our inaugural Summer Internship Programme, the College is continuing to engage interns on some of our current research projects.

Sada Charlie (Maurea Marae) and Renee Smith (Motakotako Marae) are currently engaged as scholarship recipients for the Ngaa Hononga: Waikato River project, funded by the Waikato River Authority. Both Sada and Renee have contributed to the project by collating material about the river sourced from our tribal archives and material from the Alexander Turnbull Library in Wellington.

Sada is also collating summaries of our filmed interviews with tribal members, such as Nana Rawerawe Herangi and Tao Tauroa about the wellbeing of the river. For Sada, “It has been a great opportunity to engage in this mahi as it has developed my skill set and has connected me with my whaanau, hapuu and iwi, and the river of which I have been brought up around all my life.”

Completing the final stages of her internship project, Rimutere Wharakura (Tuurangawaewae Marae), focused on the collation of education scholarship data from 1946 – 2012, as presented in the tribe’s annual reports. She prepared profiles for each tribal marae which, when completed, will allow marae to see what areas of study their marae members have engaged in over the years and to what level. ___________________________________________________ Top photo: Kirimaaku and her whaanau Middle photo: Bryce Turner Bottom photo: College interns; Back (L-R): Sada Charlie, Anaru Turner and Ayla Jenkins. Front (L-R): Whitney Hippolite, Tiana Tiakiwai, Thea King and Rimutere Wharakura

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SOLID YEAR OF PERFORMANCE On Wednesday 3 July the WRLT launched its annual report in a three part event hosted jointly with TGH. WRLT had another strong year in 2012-2013 with progress made on a range of social, economic and cultural initiatives.

We came together under a one team, one direction approach growing our tribal assets from $170m in 1995 to $925m today. At the same time, we continued to deliver on key initiatives and we are well positioned for future growth.

We reported a consolidated net profit of $111m for a dividend of $11.5m. This result increased the tribe’s total asset value to $925m, up $123m on 2012. Our consolidated revenue is up from $7m to $64m and operating profit up $3m to $17m.

In 2012, we passed the five-year implementation mark of Whakatupuranga 2050 and during this period $7.5m in education grants and scholarships were distributed, along with $10m in annual marae and facilities grants.

Other initiatives of note include the settlement of the Waikato River claim, establishment of the Waikato Raupatu River Trust, re-dedication of the College and launch of its MBA and Taahuhu Maatauranga Maaori programmes, launch of Te Ope Koiora o Waikato-Tainui, completion of Te AWA mall at The Base, opening of the Novotel Auckland Airport Hotel, and launch of the marae clusters concept.

The future holds great promise for Waikato-Tainui and our tribal members as the tribe is uniquely positioned to deliver on key initiatives as we grow our asset base closer to the $1B mark.

Ki te kotahi te kaakaaho ka whati, ki te kaapuia e kore e whati.

When reeds stand alone they are vulnerable, but bound together they are unbreakable.

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WHAT’S HAPPENING AT TAINUI GROUP HOLDINGS The Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) team has new faces on the ground with two recent appointments.

Helaman Paratene Tangiora is of Waikato-Tainui, Ngaati Koroki Kahukura descent. He also identifies strongly with Ngai Te Rangi and Ngaati Kahungunu. Helaman was recently appointed the new Digital Marketing Co-ordinator at TGH. He has spent the last 10 years working in the online space and is extremely passionate about the digital medium. He is looking forward to applying his experience, skills, and passion in order to represent and reflect the vision and objectives of TGH and its shareholder in the digital space. Helaman is a graduate of the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Electronic Commerce. He and his whaanau have relocated from Mount Maunganui to Hamilton.

MARAMATAKA KORONEIHANA Koroneihana Indoor Bowls Tournament 4 Akuhata 2013 Ngaaruawaahia Squash Racquet Club 15-17 Akuhata 2013 Koroneihana Golf Tournament 11 Akuhata 2013 Nga Kawe Mate o te waka o Tainui 19 Akuhata 2013 Nga Kawe Mate o te Motu 20 Akuhata 2013 Karakia mo te Ra Koroneihana 21 Akuhata 2013 Hui Taumata – Economic Summit 22 Akuhata 2013 Tai Tumu, Tai Pari, Tai Ao Waikato-Tainui Environmental Plan Launch 23 Akuhata 2013 Sports and Kapahaka 24-25 Akuhata 2013

GOVERNANCE CONSULTATION HUI Waahi Pa (9am) and Poihakena Marae (1pm) 27 Hurae 2013

POUKAI Whaataapaka Marae 31 Akuhata 2013 Tauranganui Marae 15 Hepetema 2013

TE TAARERE AA TAAWHAKI SERIES Leadership and Entrepreneurship 25 Hurae 2013 Rawinia Hunia is of Ngaati Apa, Ngaati Whaawhaakia and Ngaati Mahuta descent. Rawinia relocated from Whanganui to Hamilton to commence employment at TGH as an Accounts Officer. Her role is considered an important one within the organisation, given that it provides the first entry for all financial transactions. Rawinia says, “this is my way of contributing to the growth of Waikato-Tainui and is a follow through on my pledge to absorbing Tainuitanga.” Rawinia was raised in Titahi Bay and worked in Wellington, Sydney and Whanganui, but moved to Hamilton to be near whaanau.

L-R: Helaman Paratene Tangiora (Ngaati Koroki Kahukura), and Rawinia Hunia (Ngaati Apa, Ngaati Whaawhaakia and Ngaati Mahuta)

Research and Innovation 29 Akuhata 2013

TE HOOKIOI CONTACTS Freephone

0800 TAINUI

Email

info@tainui.co.nz

Address

4 Bryce Street, Hamilton

Postal

PO Box 648, Hamilton 3240

Website

www.waikatotainui.com

Facebook

facebook.com/Waikato.Te.Iwi

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FOR MORE INFO CONTACT: Eugene Davis - Te Ahurei a Rangatahi 07 838 3013 or eugened@teahurei.co.nz www.waikatotainui.com facebook.com/Waikato.Te.Iwi