Highlights from AGMs 2021

Top: Rebecca Harper and Faye Pirere. Bottom: Elizabeth and Iriha¯peti Robens.

Wairarapa Moana Trust AGM 2021

Te Horipo Karaitiana opened the AGMs with mihi whakatau and karakia. This was followed by the Wairarapa Moana Trust meeting commencing with Chairperson, Anaru Smiler, welcoming everyone.

The Performance Report for the year ended 31 May 2021 was presented by Anaru Smiler. Amy Kerr and Associates were approved to be the appointed Reviewer of the financials for 2021/2022; and the 2020 Minutes were passed with no amendments or matters arising.

There were two vacancies to the Board of Trustees due to the rotation of Anaru Smiler and Tiraumaera Te Tau. Only two nominations were received and both Anaru and Tiraumaera were welcomed back to the Trust for another term.

Tiraumaera Te Tau presented the education portfolio with a recap on the different types of funding available through the Trust and commented on the increase in Arts degrees this year. Tiraumaera continued with the Marae Development report for the year and spoke about the tìpuna marae trustee training held in March 2021. Tìpuna marae were represented and again this proved to be successful for attendees. Deborah Davidson presented the Wairarapa Moanatanga portfolio, advising the annual sponsorship of the Golden Shears, the Waikato River Trails and the new sponsorship of advertising in the local Wairarapa TimesAge publication of ‘The Year That Was’ for educational institutions in the Wairarapa. Wairarapa Moana sponsored the Te Kura Kaupapa Màori o Wairarapa page which promotes the kura.

Deborah Davidson introduced the Special Resolution to dissolve Wairarapa Moana Trust. A good conversation ensued with whànau able to ask questions prior to voting for or against the resolution. The motion was passed by an overwhelming majority, enabling work to progress on an alternative model for delivering our cultural and social investment for the WMI whànau, which is more robust and fit-for-purpose to meet the needs of the whànau for the future. Anaru thanked trustees and the wider whànau for making such a brave and bold decision. The alternative investment model will be presented at next year’s AGM before a final vote is made to dissolve the Trust.

In General Business: Tiraumaera acknowledged those present considering the Covid-19 restrictions in place and

Presentation to Murray Hemi. Joe Paewai and Peter Ngatuere.

that it would be irresponsible not to encourage whànau to be vaccinated to protect our whakapapa, given what we as a people had to endure during the 1918 flu pandemic.

Anaru Smiler thanked everyone for their attendance and participation; and the meeting concluded at 10:31am. The WMT draft AGM Minutes will be distributed with the 2022 March Mailer.

Wairarapa Moana Incorporation AGM 2021

The Wairarapa Moana Incorporation meeting commenced at 10.50am.

The Chairman welcomed everyone to the meeting and announced that the 2021 annual general meeting was to be conducted under the Delta alert level 2 rules. Advance notice was given that the 2022 annual general meeting will include a visit to the Wairarapa Moana farms at Mangakino and that all attendees will be required to be fully vaccinated. Whànau were encouraged to vaccinate.

The Chairman reported that New Zealand food exports are still in demand despite the virus impact and Wairarapa Moana results reflected a strong performance across the agri-business for the year.

The appointments of Anaru Smiler, Group General Manager and Bruce Hunter, General Manager – Finance and Support Services were announced.

A presentation was made to Murray Hemi who did not seek re-election to the Committee of Management. Murray was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution and service to the Incorporation, especially in the environmental and treaty claims arenas, and his strength in maintaining connection among our people. As there were no additional nominations for election to the Committee of Management received by the due closing date, Naomi Aporo was elected unopposed. Congratulations to Naomi.

Sonya Rimene and Te Horipo Karaitiana provided an indepth review of the year’s business activities that included the Strategic Plan; farm production and farm community; infrastructure; environment; and Miraka.

Bruce Hunter, General Manager – Finance and Support Services, presented the Incorporation accounts for the year ended 31 May 2021, and provided a detailed summary that reflected an outstanding result. Other key focus points included: Total asset and equity growth; portfolio mix; and Mangakino Township

The annual dividend totalling $2.5m was approved and will be distributed to shareholders during the first week of December.

Anne Carter provided an update on Wai 85 that included the history of the claim; the Supreme Court granting leave for the Incorporation to appeal the Crown decision to proceed to signing the Deed of Settlement, including Wai 85 and the introduction of legislation into Parliament by the end of November. The Incorporation has lodged a new contemporary claim with the Waitangi Tribunal, Wai 3058, which states that the action by the Crown to settle Wai 85 is a breach of the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 2020 were approved; and the next AGM was confirmed for Saturday October 15, 2022, at Mangakino.

The Chairman conveyed his thanks to the management and staff for the successful running of the AGM.

The meeting concluded at 1pm and was followed by lunch.