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5:00AM Saturday May 03, 2008
By James Ihaka
Maori King
• Kingitanga turns its attention to the future
• Kingitanga wants constitution talks to protect Maori should there be a republic
A waka taua shaped by master carvers in honour of Maori King Tuheitia made its maiden voyage along the Waikato River yesterday as celebrations for the anniversary of the Kingitanga movement continue.
Named after a sacred pool near Waahi pa in Huntly where Tuheitia’s grandfather King Koroki bathed, the canoe Taatahiora yesterday led a procession of waka to the point where the Waikato and Waipa Rivers converge in Ngaruawahia.
For many of the hundreds present, the occasion was an emotional one with people cheering and clapping as elderly women offered karanga to each passing of the nine waka.
And for some the occasion was an overwhelming and completely new experience.
“It’s fantastic, I’ve never seen anything like it apart from on television or in books,” said Mary Davidson, a 56-year-old Pakeha Wellingtonian who came along to the river “to see what everyone was up to”.
“It’s a shame there aren’t too many other Pakeha people here to experience this, it’s
Yesterday marked 150 years to the day that Wiremu Tamehana Tarapipipi touched the Bible upon Potatau Te Wherowhero’s head to upuna his ascension to become the first Maori King at Haurua in the King Country in 1858.
The latest successor, King Tuheitia, was accompanied by his wife, Te Atawhai, Tainui kaumatua, Destiny Church leader Brian Tamaki, Minister of Maori Affairs Parekura Horomia and his predecessor Koro Wetere to honour the occasion as the nine waka crew broke into a haka.
In his brief address on Turangawaewae Marae yesterday, King Tuheitia asked for unity among Maori to support “this treasured gift called the Kingitanga” before paying tribute to his mother.
In Maori he said: “How do we achieve this? I think we should look to the past to guide us tomorrow.”
Tainui Labour MP and relative of King Tuheitia, Nanaia Mahuta, said the publicity-shy leader would take time to develop his own style.
“King Tuheitia is the head of the movement and won’t be defined by what the media thinks.
“He’s there to lead the movement, he’s already sent some early signals about the importance of rangatahi [youth] and the importance of education.”
Mark Waiti, a teacher trainee from Ngati Maniapoto, said it “could be a couple of years yet” before the King makes himself more publicly known.
But he said the new leader deserved a fair go.
PRESSURE ON TUHEITIA TO SPEAK OF FUTURE
He worked in an open-cast mine and drove trucks before becoming King.
Described as a hard-working family man, after 18 months in the job, Joe Public still has little real idea about who King Tuheitia is or where he sees the Kingitanga going.
And he’s not likely to tell us, says tribal spokesman Tuku Morgan. That is a job for politicians like himself.
“We stand for the development of our people. We stand for unification.”
Asked if that would carry greater weight coming from the monarch, Mr Morgan said it had to be remembered that Tuheitia’s mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, very rarely gave interviews.
Instead, other people within the tribe such as Sir Robert Mahuta became the accepted spokesmen.
It would be the same with her son.
And at Turangawaewae Marae it is clear that there is reverence from those who’ve grown up with the 53-year-old, Huntly-raised leader.
But there are also those, among the families who keep the movement going by working to keep the largest marae in the country – Turangawaewae – functioning, who are starting to question what they are following. Their support is heartland support.
They want the king to articulate a future vision.
One mother, who asked not to be named, said: “We want our children to believe in this. But what are they following? That’s what I want them to know.”
Frustration from some quarters of Waikato-Tainui was not unfounded but there had to be recognition that there was “huge pressure on the king”, said the tribe’s parliamentary chairman, Tom Roa.
“He has the weight of the Maori world on his shoulders, if he gets it wrong it reflects on the whole of Maoridom.”
The difficulty Tuheitia faced was that because it was never certain he would be the king, it wasn’t something he could plan for.
“If the rangatira themselves didn’t know who they were going to pick, how could he? So a lot of people initially saw this discomfort, but again he’s a humble man. He’s going to grow into it.”
What we do know is that respected leaders outside Waikato-Tainui are assisting Tuheitia. Tuhoe’s Wharehuia Milroy is one who is involved.
Mr Milroy said it was something he couldn’t easily talk about.
“One of my difficulties – I will always defer to Tainui protocol – in terms of when and where I make comment in a public way because I feel I might be going beyond what they would expect me to say.”
But he was helping the Kingitanga in an advisory role.
“We haven’t been with him long enough to be called mentors or tutors.
“Strictly speaking, we do offer advice. If he does wish to accept that advice, well and good, if he doesn’t, so be it.”
Takaroa Raihe, 55, is Waahi Pa born and bred. He went to school with Tuheitia, watched him tinker with cars and sees him dote on his three children.
He said it was up to Tuheitia to carve out his path, but either way his wishes should be respected.
King's staff selection alarms Tainui faction
4:00AM Saturday Apr 25, 2009
By Yvonne Tahana
[pic]
King Tuheitia gets $1 million a year to run his office, Tainui tribal sources say. Photo / Sarah Ivey
Maori King
• Maori King joins Clark's UN trip
• Waitangi Day celebrations underway
Tainui members have expressed disbelief that a man who was once implicated in a bad business deal involving King Tuheitia's mother is now on his payroll.
Rangi Whakaruru is the King's new chief of staff. Yesterday, he accompanied the King's delegation as it flew out to meet the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed al Maktoum.
Tribal sources say they still haven't forgiven business dealings that "dragged" Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu into the Auckland District Court in 2002.
In a civil case, an architectural firm named Mr Whakaruru, business partner Helen D'lala, and Dame Te Ata as co-defendants for non-payment of nearly $80,000 for work designing a theatre planned as a tourist venture for Ngaruawahia, next to Turangawaewae Marae.
At the time, a legal representative for Dame Te Ata said she was not responsible for the deal. The case was later settled out of court.
One tribal source said many were appalled that Mr Whakaruru was allowed back into the Kingitanga's inner circle.
"She took them into her confidence and they hung around here [Turangawaewae Marae] for years.
"They were so flamboyant that she was mesmerised by them."
Waikato Tainui people thought Mr Whakaruru's Kingitanga connection would have been severed, the source said. The Herald understands he is not from the tribe.
"Everyone has had a gutsful of it. It's unbelievable."
Mr Whakaruru fronted a public relations disaster for Television New Zealand in 2000 when he was the face of a campaign against domestic violence. He admitted a violent past soon after the advertisements were screened.
The Herald tried to contact Mr Whakaruru but a spokeswoman for the King said Mr Whakaruru declined to be interviewed.
Another source said many in the tribe did not know how much the iwi was paying the chief of staff.
Tainui executive chairman Tuku Morgan said he would not talk about staff. "I don't have comment to make about the office of the King."
Dame Te Ata was provided with a grant of $200,000 a year to run her affairs but sources said that amount had increased during King Tuheitia's reign to about $1 million.
The King is also traveling to New York to support Helen Clark installation as head of the United Nations Development Programme.
ALLIE LELONG planned to talk to a king on Tuesday but nerves got the better of the 21-year-old Waikato University student and she backed off. "I just wanted to say hello but I was too shy." Funny, then, that Lelong and the king have shyness in common. But she can live with it Tuheitia, the Maori King, is having to learn to get over his.
The same day Lelong chickened out of greeting Kingi Tuheitia, he left New Zealand for one of the greatest tests in his almost three-year reign as head of the Kingitanga movement. He spent the morning his birthday at Waikato University, guest of honour at the inaugural Kingitanga Day designed to celebrate the relationship between the two organisations, and flew to Dubai in the afternoon where he was seeking an audience with the prime minister, Sheikh Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum.
After that comes New York to be part of the formal welcome at the United Nations for former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark in her new position as head of the UN development programme.
It is a visit that is being viewed by many Maori with great pride. It has always been one of the goals of the Kingitanga to forge relationships on an international stage and unify Maori and Pakeha. This trip not only provides that opportunity but also places the Maori King at the forefront of a particularly prestigious world body.
Serendipitous, too, that the New York invitation comes at the very end of a year of celebration for the Kingitanga. Next weekend marks the end of the 150th year since it was founded to end confiscation of land, to maintain law and order and to unite the people. There will be singing, dancing, oratory and feasting at Ngaruawahia's Turangawaewae Marae and a chance to strengthen the bonds of the movement that many Tainui Maori say is simply a way of life.
Outside Tainui, however, for non Maori and those without tribal links, the Kingitanga can seem like an anachronism, its leader a mere figurehead and its relevance surely diminished since Tainui's 1995 raupatu settlement and the eventual strong performance of its business entities.
But to see the Kingitanga and its monarchical structure in that light overlooks its complexity and the reason it will outlast whoever is chosen to lead it.
Pita Sharples explains it with ease at Kingitanga Day. A last-minute stand-in for his colleague and Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia, he delivers a challenging and commanding speech to a packed lecture theatre. He effortlessly draws the links from the principles of the Kingitanga movement to the establishment of the Maori Party, from the foreshore and seabed debate and on to the fight for guaranteed Maori representation on the future Auckland super-city council.
"It is impossible for Maori to exist without our relationship to the land, mana whenua. We are not of today, we not an ethnic group, we are tangata whenua. It is something that comes down through generations. I am a holder of that; it is my privilege at that time. We are people of this place."
Mana whenua the power Maori derive from the land is what Sharples says is the essence of Kingitanga and it was what was restored to Tainui with the signing of the raupatu settlement in 1995. It is why he is being so vocal about the super-city structure.
"While it looks impossible, watch this space," he says.
It is not said so much as a warning but as an acknowledgment, or resignation even, that the fight goes on.
"If we don't win, we won't back out; we will still be there to make gains for our people."
The Kingitanga's relevance to the Auckland representation debate is one Charmaine Poutney, educator and founding dean of Waikato University's School of Education, makes in a neighbouring lecture theatre a short time later. And while the message may be the same, the delivery is slightly blunter.
"A new governing body that does not honour mana whenua for the whole region will be another stupid Pakeha bureaucratic organisation that will continue to marginalise others and oppress the poor."
Poutney believes there is much Pakeha can learn from how the Kingitanga operates. She says it is important to recognise the significance of it, not only to Tainui but to other tribes as well.
That model, or ability of the tribal confederations to co-operate with each other, is something she believes Pakeha can learn from, particularly in Auckland.
And it is also one that James Ritchie, professor emeritus and Tainui adviser, explains so eloquently as he traces the history of the Kingitanga.
"What you see is how Maori struggle to find a way in which mana could be recognised without threatening or reducing anyone else's mana."
TODAY THE Kingitanga keeps its lines of communication and consultation open through the poukai system. Poukai are hui held on 28 marae throughout the year. The institution was set up by Tawhiao, the second Maori King, and began in 1884. Hapu celebrate their links to the Kingitanga, pledge their allegiance and engage directly with the movement's hierarchy on issues of the day.
Two years ago the future of the Kingitanga was debated at Pukawa on the shores of Lake Taupo at a gathering organised by Tuwharetoa, Tainui's closest ally. On the agenda was whether the movement should become involved in Maori politics. There was some desire for greater public advocacy on a national level of major Maori issues outside the parliamentary structure but the lack of public comment from Kingitanga since the Pukawa hui speaks for itself and it can be safely assumed that Tuheitia is keen to follow his mother's example and keep the movement apolitical.
Tainui kaumatua Rahui Papa approves. A Kingitanga historian and organiser of the 150th celebrations, Papa says although the Kingitanga has always been apolitical, it has built a relationship with successive governments throughout its existence.
"The only political role is the building of relationships at the highest level. That should be the door that is open for Maori to express their views."
During Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu's reign, Maori also learned it was essential to separate the Kingitanga from tribal business. Following the raupatu settlement, Tainui almost self-destructed. Finally given the opportunity to manage its own assets, the tribe made a series of poor investments and chalked up multimillion-dollar losses. At the core of the problem was a power struggle between those who saw Tainui's business arm as separate to the Queen and the Kingitanga and those who believed Dame Te Ata's authority was being undermined.
The infighting led to High Court action and severely damaged Tainui's reputation and credibility. Today that argument is consigned to history, Tainui's business arm flourishes alongside, but not influenced by, the Kingitanga.
But that is not to say the Kingitanga doesn't have its critics within Maoridom. There is mounting frustration among some Tainui that Tuheitia, now 54 and having had three years as king, is failing to provide the leadership tribe members say they need.
"It's so annoying, we're getting nowhere fast," says one.
They worry that Tuheitia's absence of ego and abundance of humility makes him vulnerable to exploitation by his closest advisers that tribal members say lack credibility.
"He's honest, I do admire that about him," says one Tainui insider. "But he's got the wrong people around him."
There is also impatience among younger Tainui that Tuheitia be given time to grow into the role. They say three years is long enough, despite it taking much longer for Dame Te Ata to become used to meeting dignitaries and command the genuine personal respect her position commanded.
Papa admits Tuheitia still has a way to go. He is not fluent in te reo. Papa, a language teacher, says he has had worse students; the King is learning. "As far as I am concerned he is doing a sterling job. He is so new to the role and there will always be teething problems."
Poutney believes each Kingitanga monarch has possessed the skills needed for the time of their reign. Tuheitia's love of cars, she believes, is a way for him to reach out to youth, particularly young Maori males.
But if patience and respect may be wearing out in some quarters, everyone agrees the movement is strong.
"We'll just see you at the other end," the critics say, meaning when it comes time to elect a new leader. Whether the Kingitanga remains with Tainui is apparently already being debated by younger tribe members.
That would not only be a break with tradition, but pose a dilemma for Tainui. Tuheitia's son is being groomed as the next head of the movement and is generally regarded as showing a great deal of promise. Although Tuheitia was never regarded as likely to assume the leadership, his son Whatumoana Paki was a close confidant of his grandmother even learning of his father's succession before he did. It is with Whatumoana and younger Maori that the future of Kingitanga resides.
Amid the celebrations at Waikato University on Tuesday, students talked of the movement's importance.
"It provides a platform for everyone to get together," says 28-year-old student president Pene Delaney. "Effectively, it will have a position in the future, which, as a movement, will be able to reflect views outside the political environment."
As Dame Te Ata told her people in 2001 at the 35th anniversary of her coronation, the Kingitanga had been "part of every moment, thought, dream and action. It is as much a part of me as the very air that I breathe. You are not here for me but for it, the Kingitanga."
Iwi get $97m for messy marine deal
4:00AM Wednesday May 06, 2009
By Yvonne Tahana
4:00AM Saturday Aug 22, 2009
By Yvonne Tahana
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King Tuheitia and his wife, Te Atawhai, at Turangawaewae Marae yesterday to mark the third anniversary of his coronation. Photo / Greg Bowker
Maori King
• Much loved leader was learned in Tainui history and tikanga
• King's staff selection alarms Tainui faction
As King Tuheitia calls for more international interaction, frustration is building among his own people over a distance between him and iwi leaders.
Yesterday, the King addressed more than 2000 Maori from tribes around the country who had gathered to celebrate the third anniversary of his coronation.
In his speech, he said an invitation had been extended to United States President Barack Obama and the Sheikh of Dubai to visit New Zealand.
In April, the Herald reported the approach was made when a Kingitanga delegation visited the United Arab Emirates and New York.
King Tuheitia said he firmly believed Maoridom and the country could be an example for world leaders as they worked towards unity across the globe.
However, Ngati Porou's Selwyn Parata spoke about the need for a different kind of interaction.
He said iwi ariki - bluebloods - needed more access to the King.
"I think we need to have that discussion with them [the Kingitanga].
"My plea is that we share those ideas between the ariki that will move us forward."
That call was underscored by Ngati Maniapoto's Tui Adams, who said iwi had repeatedly spoken about re-instating a council around the King, but nothing had come of the idea.
"He needs a group of ariki, and not just a group of anybodies around him."
Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu said leaders had been "lax" forming that body, but it was a priority.
Tainui leader Tuku Morgan said iwi "would always have access to the King", most likely through an economic iwi leaders' forum which met earlier in the week.
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King Tuheitia and his wife, Te Atawhai, at Turangawaewae Marae yesterday to mark the third anniversary of his coronation. Photo / Greg Bowker
Asked if that was the same as having a direct link to the monarch, Mr Morgan said it was.
On the issue of inviting world leaders to Turangawaewae, Mr Morgan said Tainui had met Prime Minister John Key for discussions.
The tribe would love to host President Obama here for the 2011 coronation celebrations, he said.
By inviting the Sheikh, Tainui were also building a relationship with the Emeratis, a group the iwi wanted to do business with.
"They bring scale and economic muscle - they're indigenous and they share some common values with us. It makes good sense to build that relationship."
A Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman said the Government was not involved with any of the discussions, but the chances of Mr Obama visiting New Zealand were low.
Nelson Mandela and many members of the British royal family had visited Turangawaewae Marae.
"But those are usually Government-to-Government invitations and the process is pretty intense," said the spokesman. "Given we're talking about the President of the United States, it's unlikely."
The Maori King has threatened to abdicate after members of the tribe's parliament, Te Kauhanganui, questioned his use of tribal funds and his choice of company directors, it was reported today.
The company which runs the tribe's funds, Ururangi Ltd, has faced criticism from some members after its directors, who also run a Huntley Kura kaupapa, were found to have made $400,000 in undeclared payments to the schools principal.
King Tuheitia made it clear he was frustrated and angry when he addressed the parliament for about 20 minutes on Sunday, the Waikato Times said.
"He wants control of his office without any question. He blames Te Kauhanganui for the issues that have been raised and he is embarrassed by Te Kauhanganui and just wants to do it his way," a source at the meeting told the newspaper.
"He wants it all to stop and basically said that if this doesn't happen he would step down from being the paramount chief of this tribe and the Maori King."
King Tuheitia also slammed attacks on the tribe's executive board, Te Arataura, which has faced criticism for rising governance costs and incurring significant legal fees.
NZPA
[pic]
A spokesman for the Maori King Tuheitia has labeled claims he threatened to abdicate “false” and “a complete misrepresentation of the facts”.
The claims alleged he had threatened to quit after the tribe’s parliament, Te Kauhanganui, questioned his use of tribal funds and his choice of company directors.
A story published in the Waikato Times under the headline “I will abdicate” had caused significant hurt within Waikato-Tainui and throughout the motu, spokesman Rahui Papa said on Tuesday.
The company which runs the tribe’s funds, Ururangi Ltd, had faced criticism from some members after its directors, who also run a Huntly kura kaupapa, were found to have made $400,000 in undeclared payments to the school’s principal.
A source at a meeting between parliament and King Tuheitia on Sunday told the Waikato Times King Tuheitia was frustrated and angry, and wanted “control of his office without any question”.
“He blames Te Kauhanganui for the issues that have been raised and he is embarrassed by Te Kauhanganui and just wants to do it his way,” the source reportedly told the paper.
“He wants it all to stop and basically said that if this doesn’t happen he would step down from being the paramount chief of this tribe and the Maori King.”
“Kiingi Tuheitia did not use those words – nor would he ever use such language,” Mr Papa said.
He says King Tuheitia addressed the meeting to call for an end to the public criticism of different groups, and call for unity.
“There have been some very damaging statements made by some anonymous sources who purport to speak as tribal members,” Mr Papa said.
“There was no talk of abdication – The King and our people are very hurt that his words have been twisted by the newspaper and their sources.”
The King’s coronation was held in 2006 following the passing of his mother, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu.
“The crowning was a sacred ceremony that had followed the debate and ultimate selection by tribal leaders from throughout the country,” Mr Papa said.
“The head of the Kingitanga is not a title that can, nor ever would be, ‘abdicated’ – irrespective of any tribal issues.”
Mr Papa says Waikato-Tainui are a proud people, and the sentiment of the King that tribal matters do not need to be argued in the newspaper is “shared by many of our people”.
“To then have his words twisted to say he has threatened to abdicate is unethical and inaccurate, and demonstrates why we refuse to engage in important tribal debate via the newspapers,” he said.
Last updated 10:06 03/03/2010
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The investiture was led by the Grand Prior of the Order in New Zealand, the Chevalier Colonel Andrew Renton-Green; assisted by the Chancellor Emeritus and Keeper of the Seal in New Zealand, Chevalier Professor Noel Chapman; the Chancellor of the Order in New Zealand, Chevalier Elwyn Eastlake; and the Deputy Chancellor, Chevalier Andrew Beattie.
“We are delighted that Kiingi Tuheitia accepted the high office of Knight Commander in our Order,” said the Chancellor of the Order in New Zealand, Chevalier Elwyn Eastlake.” He has a strong affinity with the humanitarian and charitable purposes of the Order and the King’s extensive relationships and influence throughout New Zealand, the Pacific islands and Southeast Asia regions will be invaluable.” Through his investiture, Kiingi Tuheitia joins other notable New Zealand members of the Order of St Lazarus including its Patron in New Zealand, the Governor-General, His Excellency The Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, and the Chevalier Lt.General Jeremiah Mateparae, Chief of the New Zealand Defence Force. Other members of the Order in attendance at today’s Investiture included Grand Prior Emeritus of New Zealand, Deputy Grand Hospitaller and Grand Magistral Member Chevalier Professor Brett Delahunt; Keeper of the Privy Seal (Australia) and Grand Magistral Delegate (Oceania) and Grand Magistral Member, Lady Primrose Potter; Chancellor Emeritus and Keeper of the Seal (New Zealand) Chevalier Noel Chapman; and Grand Prior Emeritus, Chevalier Clem Parker.Background to the Order of St Lazarus The Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus of Jerusalem is one of the oldest and most respected Orders of Chivalry in Christendom, and was established at the Infirmary of Saint Lazarus in the year 1098, during the First Crusade. 900 years after its birth, members of the Military and Hospitaller Order of Saint Lazarus perpetuate the noble ideals of honour, integrity and charity through the relief of suffering, in the imitation of Christ. In recent years, the Order has been engaged in a major program to restore Christianity in Eastern Europe. Millions of dollars worth of food, clothing, medical equipment and supplies have been distributed in Poland, Hungary, Romania and Croatia. Because of this expertise, the European Community commissioned the Order to transport more than one and a half billion dollars in food to relieve starvation in Russia. In New Zealand the Order is concerned largely with charitable activities, with an emphasis on those associated with traditional field of leprosy. The New Zealand Order has a duty of care for the Pacifica and South-East Asian areas, and donates medical supplies to various island leprosaria. It is involved in other ongoing humanitarian activities such as helping to provide relief for victims of the tsunami in Samoa and assistance to those affected by the earthquakes in Haiti and Chile. In New Zealand, it provides support for medical research and undertakes other activities beneficial to the community such as the donation in 2007 of the St Lazarus Organ in the Hall of Memories of the National War Memorial in Buckle Street Wellington.
———-
Whoa...That’s a mouthful...why does a Maori king need to be in a thousand year old Christendom order?
Elected Tainui officials are demanding the Maori King, Tuheitia Paki, open his books and reveal details of his spending.
Concern about the king's spending and the tribe's governance has mounted within Tainui over recent weeks and now tribal members want answers.
In an unprecedented move that directly challenges the king's authority, some members of Tainui's parliament, Te Kauhanganui; want the books of the king's office made public to quell suspicions over excessive spending.
They also want a group formed to review spending by the tribe's executive board, Te Arataura, which is headed by former MP Tukoroirangi Morgan. The executive has been criticised for what is claimed to be huge legal and consultant bills and it is understood that some members of the parliament are making plans to get rid of Morgan and the board.
The annual budget for King Tuheitia's office is $1.2 million compared to $250,000 when his late mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, reigned. The money is provided by the tribe.
However, only a few people are privy to how the money is spent and concerns have been expressed about overspending.
In the spotlight is the king's travel budget. He has enjoyed several overseas trips since his inauguration in 2006, and while the reasons behind the trips are not being questioned, the size of his entourage and the related cost is.
The cost and size of a delegation the king led to New York last year to join former Prime Minister Helen Clark for her welcome as head of the United Nations Development Programme has caused particular disquiet. The journey involved a side trip to Dubai involving the king and Morgan as well as other officials, which was also questioned. It is not known how much the trip cost.
Sources told the Sunday Star-Times the parliament has been unable to pinpoint exactly how money is being spent and some members want transparent accountability.
The demand comes at the same time that some members of parliament are looking to oust Morgan and follows a speech by the king at a parliament meeting two weeks ago in which he attacked parliament members for questioning his use of tribal funds, calling it "his money".
It was reported he threatened to abdicate if the questioning did not stop, but this has been strenuously denied.
In a further development which inflamed the situation last week, Tom Roa, chairman of Te Kauhanganui, resigned. Roa told the Star-Times he believed the parliament had become embarrassing and he had to take some of the blame for that.
[pic]He will remain as a member of Te Kauhanganui and will lobby for early elections of the parliament and the board after failing to persuade the board to resign.
"At the centre of it, Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura are not performing appropriately. We've been going down this track for some time and nothing is really changing. I am saying to the board, we need to allow the people to express whether they still have confidence in us."
Roa says he has "real disquiet" that the king "feels a need to come down off his pedestal and tell us off".
But others in the parliament say King Tuheitia has "made the mistake of putting himself at the forefront of tribal politics and entwined himself in the whole mess".
"He has become involved when he should stay as far from politics as possible," one source said.
The appointment last year of Rangi Whakaruru, chief of staff in the king's office, has also caused widespread concern. Whakaruru, who once fronted an anti-violence advertising campaign with prominent New Zealanders without telling them of his violent past, is believed by many tribal members to be the wrong person for the job.
The king's office did not return calls.
Meanwhile, any move to remove Morgan and his board is likely to come at the next meeting of Te Kauhanganui in May. The parliament needs 75% support to pass a resolution for new elections. Sources say there is a groundswell of support for the move, motivated by concern that continued divisions will affect the tribe's commercial arm, Tainui Group Holdings.
"The only option left is to seek re-election of Te Arataura. It is too dangerous for the financial security of tribe not to," one member said.
A "success fee" of $100,000 each, paid to Morgan and Lady Raiha Mahuta for successfully negotiating a $310 million deal over the Waikato River, has also added to the tension.
Morgan would not discuss the payment with the Star-Times but said he had done a superb job securing the deal and, while he had previously gone on record saying he would not accept payment for his work, the fee was a decision made by the board.
"In a tribe like ours there will always be a small faction who moan and groan for salacious reasons. Frankly, I'm not interested in indulging in a tit for tat. I'm a stickler for process and welcome my colleagues to follow the constitution rather than indulge in innuendo and baseless allegations. I will accept whatever the democratic process throws up."
Lady Mahuta, the widow of Sir Robert Mahuta who negotiated the tribe's raupatu [land confiscation] settlement in 1995, has also spoken out about the tribal divisions. She acknowledged the divisions and said in a statement it was "embarrassing, frustrating and increasingly uncomfortable to deal with other iwi, leaders and heads of state because of the behaviour in Te Kauhanganui".
Tainui is also awaiting a ruling from the Employment Relations Authority over the employment of its chief executive Hemi Rau. Rau was sacked by Morgan in December for alleged media leaks but is seeking reinstatement.
Outsider's place at Tainui table upsets some in tribe
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Wednesday Sep 1, 2010
King Tuheitia met Gregory Miller two decades ago. Photo / Ben Fraser
King Tuheitia has appointed a tribal outsider to represent him on Tainui's executive board - a move which has been criticised because of the appointee's relatively recent connection to the Kingitanga.
Gregory Miller, 45, is the group general manager of freight company Toll New Zealand. He said he hoped to prove his value to the movement's followers.
Mr Miller fills the kamahi ariki position left vacant when Lady Raiha Mahuta died this year.
Her husband, the king's uncle Sir Bob Mahuta, was the representative for the late queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu.
The tribe has assets worth about $500 million. Mr Miller will have full voting rights on the executive board, which also has of 10 tribally elected members.
Mr Miller said he met Tuheitia 20 years ago when he was a store man and Tuheitia was driving trucks.
Their paths didn't cross again until Mr Miller provided a train for kaumatua and kuia to travel from Ngaruawahia to Taupiri Mountain for the burial of the king's mother, Dame Te Ata, in 2006.
The pair have kept in touch over the past four years and struck up a close relationship, he said.
"From there our relationship has evolved. It's definitely a friendship, but one of respect. He approached me to support him and help with his role and that has occurred in the last few years. I've taken an active role in getting a structure around him that's conducive to supporting the king.
"He's reached out for me to help him in a range of ways," Mr Miller said.
In a tribe that has traditionally appointed important positions from within its own ranks, the decision, which Tuheitia revealed to tribal members at their Te Kauhanganui parliamentary meeting at the weekend, didn't go down well with some.
A Tainui representative who was at the hui said people felt "gagged" from challenging the king directly about the move because of respect for his office.
"You could have heard a pin drop. Nobody said a word. He ended his speech and then he left. But one of the members asked Tuku [Morgan, the executive chairman] 'who is this fellow? What's his whakapapa?'
"He told us 'I don't know. He's the CEO of Toll.' Without question there was disgruntlement, people were not happy."
Another tribal source said he would be paid $35,000 as a kaahui ariki board member, and the decision was crazy. "[Mr Miller] is viewed as a Pakeha; no one knows who he is or where he's come from. What does he know about the Kingitanga?"
Asked about the criticism, Mr Miller, who has Ngapuhi, Rongowhakaata and Ngaiterangi ancestry, said he hoped he wouldn't be judged before he really got stuck into his duties.
He also hoped Tainui people would trust and support the king's decision.
"It's his decision, that's probably the key thing to say about that. His decision hasn't been made lightly or easily."
The announcement comes close on the heels of the leaking of a document known as the King's Charter which sets out a 10-year vision for Kingitanga - the first real stab at a vision for the movement under Tuheitia's stewardship.
It was partly put together by former Prime Minister Jim Bolger's chief press secretary and broadcaster David Beatson, who is also Mr Miller's stepfather.
King uses supreme power in sacking
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Tuesday Dec 7, 2010
[pic]
King Tuheitia. Photo / Daily Post
The Maori King has taken the extraordinary step of sacking a top Tainui figure over a critical report she wrote about the tribe's finances.
King Tuheitia yesterday removed Tania Martin, an elected official, as the chairwoman of Waikato-Tainui's parliament Te Kauhanganui, which represents the tribe's 66 marae.
Ms Martin, who represents Hiiona Marae, was dismissed after writing a report to tribal members that criticised spending by Tainui's executive board, Te Arataura. She also criticised board chairman Tuku Morgan.
King Tuheitia said Ms Martin's report was based on inaccurate figures and she had issued it without giving board members a chance to respond.
"She is well aware of the damaging errors in her report," he said.
"She has been taken through them several times. She has told my [representative] that she has made a major mistake."
In a detailed statement, King Tuheitia said he had asked Hiiona Marae to remove her, effectively dismissing her from the parliament. But the marae rejected the request.
The King dismissed her in his capacity as paramount chief.
[pic]"They declined to do so on the grounds that this matter should be handled within the disputes process of Te Kauhanganui. This is not possible because Mrs Martin's actions have rendered Te Kauhanganui dysfunctional," King Tuheitia said.
"She has agreed several times to issue an apology to members of Te Arataura, but has not delivered on those agreements.
"She has committed to meet with Te Arataura and accept offers of mediation of her dispute, and has repeatedly failed to meet those commitments."
In her report, Ms Martin put the board's costs at $1,703,000. The king says the true figure is $656,000.
King Tuheitia said Ms Martin was supposed to meet him last Thursday, but she postponed the meeting as she was receiving medical treatment.
He found out she was being interviewed by a current affairs show.
Waikato-Tainui marae held emergency meetings last night, and some are seeking legal advice on the matter.
The king's Te Arataura representative Greg Miller has been appointed as interim chairman until the parliament meets in February.
The removal is a further sign the king is becoming more active in tribal politics.
Previously, the tribe has said he should stay above day-to-day matters.
Te Arataura chairman Tuku Morgan said the king had to intervene.
"There's only one boss in Waikato-Tainui," he said
Ms Martin could not be contacted last night.
Maori King lands in strife over sacking
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Wednesday Dec 8, 2010
[pic]
The Maori King Tuheitia Paki and his wife Te Atawhai. Photo / Greg Bowker
[pic]Waikato-Tainui could be headed for the courts after a woman King Tuheitia fired claimed the move was unconstitutional.
But she could also find herself in the strange position of going through mediation for a job the King says she has no right to.
On Monday Tania Martin was fired as chairwoman of Te Kauhanganui, the tribe's parliament representing 66 marae.
King Tuheitia first approached Hiiona Marae, which Ms Martin represents, to dismiss her. Marae leaders declined, preferring the parliament's disputes process to kick in, however the King issued a statement saying as paramount chief he was removing her.
Ms Martin told Native Affairs she was shocked and would be considering her options over the next few days.
"The development does present a constitutional dilemma and I think what's important is just to remain calm. I'll be looking at the legal implications."
Last night, tribal leader of Te Arataura (the parliament's executive board) Tuku Morgan said he had triggered the parliament's disputes process more than a week ago, with mediation to occur no later than December 17.
[pic]Ms Martin had not responded to his letter outlining the process but it would still have to play out, he said. "Te Arataura is a creature of legislation and we're going to follow the process."
Asked if it was ridiculous for Ms Martin to find herself fired but still going through mediation, Mr Morgan said: "No, not at all because as the King has said, we're an iwi before we were an incorporated society."
The mediation would focus on constitutional processes and a report Ms Martin wrote questioning tribal spending, which has been criticised by the King for inaccuracies and other matters.
Former Te Kauhanganui chairman Tom Roa said the situation was messy.
"There is no provision in the rules for this to happen. To me it's extremely sad and I think the King has been really poorly advised. It seems to me the responsibility has been overstepped and the King has taken an action which is unconstitutional."
Te Kauhanganui was a "creature of rules" which at its heart was about protecting the King and movement.
Other Kingitanga supporters told the Herald that regardless of the rules many tribal representatives would back the King's decision if it came under further fire.
Waikato-Tainui critic Mamae Takerei said some felt the King had made himself "common" by entangling himself in politics.
"Our people are still captured by the [belief] that you can't question the King. Well, who made him King?"
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Maori King Tuheitia accused of swearing
KARLA AKUHATA - Waikato Times
Last updated 09:41 10/12/2010
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[pic]Maori King Tuheitia has been accused of swearing at his own people at a public meeting.
Tiwai Iti, the sister of Maori activist Tame Iti, was at a meeting at Waikare Marae in Te Kauwhata last Saturday when the king was questioned about the spending of the tribe's executive board.
When Iti criticised the king for swearing at a kaumatua, he allegedly said to her "if you don't f...ing like it then you can f... off''.
Iti, who affiliates to the Tainui subtribes of Ngati Haua and Ngati Wairere as well as the Tuhoe iwi, said she sat quietly at the beginning of the meeting and listened while the chairman of Tainui's board, Tukoroirangi Morgan, got up and addressed the 200 people who were at the marae.
Morgan presented a one-page document to the meeting which asserted that the figures used in a report written by the chairwoman of Tainui's tribal parliament, Tania Martin, criticising the executive board, Te Arataura, were inaccurate.
The report raised a series of issues and earlier this week the king sent out a press release saying he was removing Martin from the position as chairwoman "to halt the damage and restore unity, fairness and good order''.
Iti said during his speech Morgan told the people there had been a empty seat at the Pike River Mine memorial service presumably because the king could not attend due to ructions within the tribe.
"Then Tuku [Morgan] turned around to the king and said 'I want you to sack her' in front all of us. It was Tuku Morgan who [suggested] the king sack Tania Martin.''
Iti said a Tainui kaumatua then got up and asked questions of Morgan and the figures.
"That's when Tuheitia got up and said 'can't you f...ing read what's on the paper'.
He pointed his tokotoko (walking stick) at that koroua (old man).
"If you had have heard him speak, it just went straight through you, just the way he swore just how he said it. It was really ugly; it was so foul I couldn't help it. I had to say something it was that yuck.
"I said to him 'how dare you talk like that to the kaumatua, there are our mokopuna over here' and he just started on me.
"He was looking for me at first because he couldn't see me and when he saw me he said 'if you don't f...ing like it then you can f... off'.
"The people say nothing to him and they are letting him carry on how he wants and it's not right."
She said in her opinion "he has no respect. The people put him there and the people can take him out''.
In her view "the iwi should all get together because enough is enough, he is making a mockery of it all''.
[pic]"I would do it again, oh yeah I would do it again and he can't kick me off the marae, I'm free to do what I want.''
Hoana Peautolu, who was also at the poukai meeting, said the king's behaviour was hurtful to those who were at the marae and to those who had heard about it afterward.
"It was shocking; people couldn't believe what they were hearing. I couldn't believe that the king swore.''
The king's office didn't respond to inquiries.
Asked about Morgan's role in the sacking of Martin, Tainui communications officer Kirk MacGibbon accused the Waikato Times reporter of having no understanding of kingitanga.
"You are really scraping the bottom of the barrel here. These allegations are pathetic. They do not warrant anything but the response I have just given you.''
Morgan declined to talk to the Waikato Times about what happened during the meeting.
"You know the deal I don't talk to people like you,'' he said.
Iti attended the meeting known as a poukai to acknowledge her mother, who died two months ago.
Marae which affiliate to Tainui's tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, each host one poukai a year to acknowledge those who have suffered a bereavement and as a chance for people to raise issues of tribal business.
Maori King Tuheitia accused of swearing
Waikato Times
Last updated 09:10 10/12/2010
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[pic]Maori King Tuheitia has been accused of swearing at his own people at a public meeting.
Tiwai Iti, the sister of Maori activist Tame Iti, was at a meeting at Waikare Marae in Te Kauwhata last Saturday when the king was questioned about the spending of the tribe's executive board.
When Ms Iti criticised the king for swearing at a kaumatua, he allegedly said to her "if you don't f...ing like it then you can f... off''.
Ms Iti, who affiliates to the Tainui subtribes of Ngati Haua and Ngati Wairere as well as the Tuhoe iwi, said she sat quietly at the beginning of the meeting and listened while the chairman of Tainui's board, Tukoroirangi Morgan, got up and addressed the 200 people who were at the marae.
Mr Morgan presented a one-page document to the meeting which asserted that the figures used in a report written by the chairwoman of Tainui's tribal parliament, Tania Martin, criticising the executive board, Te Arataura, were inaccurate.
The report raised a series of issues and earlier this week the king sent out a press release saying he was removing Mrs Martin from the position as chairwoman "to halt the damage and restore unity, fairness and good order''.
Ms Iti said during his speech Mr Morgan told the people there had been an empty seat at the Pike River Mine memorial service presumably because the king could not attend due to ructions within the tribe.
"Then Tuku (Mr Morgan) turned around to the king and said 'I want you to sack her' in front all of us. It was Tuku Morgan who [suggested] the king sack Tania Martin.''
Ms Iti said a Tainui kaumatua then got up and asked questions of Mr Morgan and the figures.
"That's when Tuheitia got up and said 'can't you f...ing read what's on the paper'.
He pointed his tokotoko (walking stick) at that koroua (old man).
"If you had have heard him speak, it just went straight through you just the way he swore just how he said it. It was really ugly; it was so foul I couldn't help it. I had to say something it was that yuck.
"I said to him 'how dare you talk like that to the kaumatua, there are our mokopuna over here' and he just started on me.
"He was looking for me at first because he couldn't see me and when he saw me he said `if you don't f...ing like it then you can f... off'.
"The people say nothing to him and they are letting him carry on how he wants and it's not right. She said in her opinion "he has no respect. The people put him there and the people can take him out''.
In her view "the iwi should all get together because enough is enough, he is making a mockery of it all''.
[pic]"I would do it again, oh yeah I would do it again and he can't kick me off the marae, I'm free to do what I want.''
Hoana Peautolu, who was also at the poukai meeting, said the king's behaviour was hurtful to those who were at the marae and to those who had heard about it afterward.
"It was shocking, people couldn't believe what they were hearing. I couldn't believe that the king swore.''
The king's office didn't respond to Times inquiries.
Asked about Mr Morgan's role in the sacking of Mrs Martin, Tainui communications officer Kirk MacGibbon accused the Times reporter of having no understanding of kingitanga.
"You are really scraping the bottom of the barrel here. These allegations are pathetic. They do not warrant anything but the response I have just given you.''
Mr Morgan declined to talk to the Times about what happened during the meeting.
"You know the deal I don't talk to people like you,'' he said. Ms Iti attended the meeting known as a poukai to acknowledge her mother, who died two months ago.
Marae which affiliate to Tainui's tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, each host one poukai a year to acknowledge those who have suffered a bereavement and as a chance for people to raise issues of tribal business
Tainui in turmoil (Opinion)
Posted: December 10, 2010
My name is Tom Roa, I am the former chairman of the Waikato-Tainui Parliament, Te Kauhanganui, I am a former member of the Executive Board - Te Arataura. I am also a Senior Lecturer at Waikato University and have been blessed with the opportunity to study and become proficient in knowledge of Waikato-Tainui history and whakapapa.
[pic]I am passionate about my iwi, and Te Kingitanga. I would be grateful if you could publish the attached opinion, which I hope provides some clarity to what has become a fraught and difficult chapter for our people.
These are sad times for the people of Waikato-Tainui.
The decision by King Tuheitia earlier this week to sack the chairperson of Te Kauhanganui o Waikato-Tainui, Tania Martin, was extremely ill-advised and has the potential to cause further acute embarrassment not just to the King, and the Kingitanga, but more, to Maoridom.
Te Kauhanganui o Waikato-Tainui is an Incorporated Society which has a constitution and rules.
It was established as the democratic representative body for the people of Waikato-Tainui, to provide sound governance to manage the tribe’s asset and resources following the settlement of the tribe’s land claims in 1995.
Te Kauhanganui, which is made up of 3 representatives (a kaumatua, marae and rangatahi spokespersons From each of the tribe’s 68 marae) was established by King Tuheitia’s late uncle, Sir Robert Mahuta.
Sir Robert, who led the settlement of Waikato-Tainui land claims, was a visionary who understood the need to develop systems, structures and rules to provide the governance required to manage the tribe’s $170 million land settlement assets and cash.
The decision to establish a Tribal Parliament to manage these affairs was also driven by an understanding for the need to always protect the Kingitanga – to ensure it remained separate from more common matters. It also ensured that the Head of the Kahui Ariki, as the Head of the Kingitanga was not involved in the pressures that occur for any entity when it moves from managing a moderate financial base, to one controlling hundreds of millions of dollars.
The Head of the Kahui Ariki has but one representative on tribal governance matters: the Kahui Ariki representative. This person, the only one not elected by the people, sits on the tribe’s 11 member executive – Te Arataura, whose remaining 10 members are elected from within Te Kauhanganui members every three years.
The only person the King may remove in accord with the Rules of Te Kauhanganui is his representative. This position is currently filled by Toll Tranzlink Group General Manager, Greg Miller. In a recent release King Tuheitia appointed Mr Miller, who is the only non-tribal member involved in either Te Arataura or Te Kauhanganui, as interim chairperson to replace Mrs Martin. This action is in breach of the constitution and the rules.
The result is that now Waikato-Tainui are in a constitutional crisis. This is a crisis in LAW, the ‘ture’ of which the King’s advisors are either ignorant, or have chosen to ignore.
It is also sad that the King’s advisors are either ignorant of or have chosen to ignore the strictures of LORE, or ‘tikanga’.
Our tribal traditions and ways are guided by tongikura, whakatauki, and pepeha which underpin our ‘tikanga’. Waikato-Tainui does not exist if we abandon our tikanga.
These tikanga have been handed down through the generations, and in the present instance we must be guided by the words of King Tuheitia’s ancestor Potatau, the first Maori King. At his inauguration he instructed his people ‘ Kia mau ki te Ture, te Whakapono, me te Aroha.’ – Hold fast to the Law, to the Faith, and to Love.
This is a sorry state of affairs for the Waikato-Tainui people. We must ensure our King and our rules are protected. There has been precedence in other jurisdictions, that show a constructive way forward, when there is such a crisis in play.
There must be fresh elections, and they must be held soon.
This is not to support recent ill-advised actions. Because they are just that. It is to allow the people to demonstrate very clearly who they want to make decisions on resources that will provide for this and future generations.
With Love; in Faith; and holding fast to the Law – ‘kia tau te rangimarie‘ – let there be peace.
Tainui backs down on sacking
KARLA AKUHATA - Waikato Times
Last updated 11:22 14/12/2010
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[pic]Tainui's leaders have had to back-down after admitting that the woman who was sacked from the head of the tribe's representative body is still the chairwoman.
King Tuheitia sent out a press release last week announcing that he was removing Tania Martin as chairwoman of Te Kauhanganui after she wrote a report which criticised the tribe's executive board, Te Arataura. However there are no rules in the tribe's constitution that allow the king to remove Mrs Martin.
Mrs Martin sought a court injunction to keep her job.
Last night lawyers acting on behalf of Tainui's tribal parliament, the executive board and King's representative on Te Arataura, Greg Miller, sent a letter to Mrs Martin confirming that she is still the chairwoman of Te Kauhanganui despite the king's announcement.
The letter also gave the undertaking that Mrs Martin and a committee which had been selected by Te Kauhanganui would be able to conduct a review into the executive board's performance and expenditure.
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Bess #10 03:31 pm Dec 15 2010
Good on ya Tania! It's good to know someone is looking after our peoples interests. There's nothing wrong with finding out the facts and if that means people have to be held Accountable for their actions then so be it. But I guess you have a long road to hoe. Stay strong and as long as you keep a good focus you will come out of this knowing you have stood for many rather than just for yourself
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SILLY #9 03:15 pm Dec 15 2010
Choice Tania for sticking to what you stand for the people. Men think they can still dominate to this day. We don’t think so... Mana Wahine all the way girl. Tuku needs to retire been in the business to long, Brain should be fried by now, and Tuheitia swearing at Kaumatua on a Marae!! Gee his mum be SPEWING in her grave... Watch it Tuheitia easy come, easy go!!!!!
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Jo2 #8 01:24 pm Dec 15 2010
It's called "accountability" and applies to all, even the Maori leaders.
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Kris #7 01:16 pm Dec 15 2010
Hippy #3 do you think the fact she is a woman has anything to do with her being sacked/the way the King went about sacking her? Maybe she felt she wasn't getting/wouldn't get a fair deal for redress if she used Maori protocol. I don't know. I'm watching this story as I am surprised she got sacked for doing a job she was asked to do.
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Motu #6 12:44 pm Dec 15 2010
Man I would love it if Tainui paid for me to fly to Dubai and New York first class!
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Motu #5 12:42 pm Dec 15 2010
Hey Hippy! Only Te Kauhanganui can fire the chairperson. Even though he would like to, the king doesn't have the power to elect or fire the chair, it's the people who have that right. The king should stick to what he does best.
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Marco #4 10:16 am Dec 15 2010
Open up the books Tainui so we can see if the so-called Maori leaders love to live it up large first class and five star on the backs of the people!
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Hippy #3 10:06 am Dec 15 2010
Typical, Māori go on about wanting to deal with their own issues and decide for themselves what happens to their people. But when this chairwoman was fired she did not go for redress to the tribe using Māori protocol, she turns to the non-Māori court system that most Māori says should not control Māori. She is a hypocrite.
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Merv+ #2 07:17 pm Dec 14 2010
What a farce!! Perhaps this "King" should take a few lessons from Prince Charles. Even the Royal Master of the Misplaced Comment (Prince Phillip) could not have achieved such a cock-up. Monarchy might not be great, but artificial Monarchy is much worse.
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Colin #1 05:21 pm Dec 14 2010
I support Mrs Martin fully. Boards and executives need to be held accountable and questions need to be asked when people elected to such high positions are spending money outside of what was intended.
Rawiri Taonui: Tension among taniwha grows in Tainui parliament
By Rawiri Taonui
5:30 AM Tuesday Dec 14, 2010
[pic]
Maori King Tuheitia's sacking of Tania Martin undermines the democracy of the parliament and jeopardises the mana of the Kingitanga. Photo / Ben Fraser
An old saying is "ko Waikato, he piko, he taniwha" - at each bend along the Waikato River lies a chief.
This month's sacking of Tania Martin, elected chairwoman of Tainui's Te Kauhanganui parliament, is the latest in a series of coups, counter-coups, purges and public denunciations via the media as an agent of ambush.
The heart of tensions are too many chiefs in a complex structure comprising the hereditary Kingitanga, the Te Kauhanganui elected parliamentary body, an 11-member Te Arataura cabinet-like executive chaired by Tuku Morgan, and a chief executive-led Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui administrative arm.
In 2003, Kingi Porima was dumped as chairman of the executive Te Arataura, ostensibly for refusing to support the ousting of CEO Hemi Rau. Moves to fire Mr Rau were ultimately scuttled after one of Mr Porima's replacements, Haydn Solomon, also declined to support the action.
In 2004, Solomon's co-chairman, Mr Morgan, and executive member Koro Wetere - both former MPs - were forced to resign under overly stringent rules barring minor historical convictions. Mr Solomon was subsequently booted for "bringing the tribe into disrepute" over involvement in Department of Corrections contracts.
[pic]Since the passing of guiding hand Dame Te Atairangikaahu, the power struggle has worsened. In 2008 Tom Roa, then chairman of Te Kauhanganui, defeated a Mr Morgan-led proposal in the High Court to merge the Te Arataura chair role with the Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui CEO position - effectively establishing a new prime ministerial position, Te Tumu Whakarae.
Mr Rau was finally dismissed in December last year for leaking embarrassing stories about financial affairs of members of King Tuheitia's personal staff, a saga during which the King offered to abdicate.
Sonny Wilson, an executive member, was dumped shortly after, also for media leaks, as was Kingi Porima, seemingly for little more than confirming to the press the vote for new CEO, Parekawhia McLean.
Ms Martin was sacked for a report that, while an unhelpful pre-emptive strike against the executive, raises valid questions.
Amongst other things the report alleged a secretive spending blowout by the executive of 30 per cent this year to $2.5 million. Mr Morgan refutes this, saying spending will be less than last year's $1.7 million.
The report questions why annual honoraria to executive members increased $15,000 and were backdated while grants to tribal members and marae are declining.
Ms Martin is highly critical of Mr Morgan, who receives $75,000 as Te Arataua chairman plus $40,000 in an associated role of principal negotiator - a position Ms Martin says is redundant now that the Waikato River claim has been settled.
Critics say Mr Morgan is the puppet-master behind the throne of King Tuheitia. Mr Morgan is a shrewd powerhouse, possessing one of the best combinations of strategic acumen, political nous and tikanga skills in Maoridom, whose vision sometimes pushes the envelope too quickly.
He needs to take people with him. The late-1990s shadow of the underpants saga also haunts him, despite his exoneration by both the Serious Fraud Office and the Ministry of Commerce.
Ms Martin has taken High Court action. Although old-time chiefs often acted to enforce unity, King Tuheitia's sacking of Ms Martin undermines the democracy of the parliament, bypasses standing dispute resolution processes, is not constitutional and jeopardises the mana of the Kingitanga as a unifying force both within and outside the tribe, something his predecessor and mother built up over many years. Allegations he swore at tribal members don't help.
The political ructions stem partly from sensitivity over media reports in 2000, which unfairly ridiculed the tribe for mismanaging its Treaty settlement compared with Ngai Tahu, on the basis both had received $170 million. In fact, the way the book value of returned lands was counted for Tainui but not Ngai Tahu meant the latter received $100 million more in cash. Tainui has therefore done extraordinarily well to grow a $640 million asset on par with Ngai Tahu.
Key issues require resolution. Ms Martin's sacking highlights tensions between the hereditary kingship and the democracy of the parliament.
Bigger than the Beehive and more democratic than democracy, the parliament seems large - 198 elected members comprising one kaumatua (elder), pakeke (adult) and rangatahi (youth) from 66 constituent marae - multiple cross-generational voices have value but currently compromise confidentiality.
There is tension between the CEO and executive chairperson - the administrative side reports to the parliament while commercial bosses report to the executive.
There is also tension between the respective chair people of the parliament and the executive. Current rules bar the parliamentary chairperson from sitting on the executive. It seems self-evident that they should attend - short of one person chairing both bodies.
Solving these equations will lead the tribe into the future. Final decisions belong to the 60,000 people of Tainui and their King - indivisible for all time; they are the heart of the tribe. Indeed, at every bend along the mighty Waikato lies a taniwha.
* Dr Rawiri Taonui is a Maori political commentator and academic rtaonui@xtra.co.nz
By Rawiri Taonui
The Maori King responds to Court Ruling on Tania Martin Dispute
Posted: December 15, 2010
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A statement was issued by the Office of the Maori King yesterday saying the following:
King Tuheitia is pleased that the decision by the Court today will assist in bringing this issue back into the Waikato-Tainui house. It is the view of the King, and of Te Arataura, that this is not a matter for the Courts but for Te Kauhanganui – the tribal parliament. The unnecessary action and the pain that Mrs Martin has inflicted on Waikato-Tainui has caused the King to lose confidence in her ability to fill the role of Chair of Te Kauhanganui.
He maintains his withdrawal of support for her to remain in that position.
Media Enquiries:
Office of the Maaori King
Hone Edwards 021 286 0832
Senior Maori orator dies
By Yvonne Tahana
7:32 AM Wednesday Dec 15, 2010
[pic]
The kingitanga flag. Photo / Sarah Ivey
[pic]Senior orator and chief Tainui kingitanga spokesman John Haunui died yesterday. He was 71.
Mr Haunui served King Koroki, Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu and current King Tuheitia and he spoke on behalf of other kingitanga leaders.
His death comes at a time when the iwi is trying to sort out whether Tania Martin, the elected chairwoman of the tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, has been fired by King Tuheitia. Tainui is also dealing with fallout from a tribal poukai during which the king is reported to have sworn at tribal members, an event that happened under Mr Haunui's watch.
Tribal member Tom Roa said loyalty had been Mr Haunui's guiding value. He'd spoken to Mr Haunui only yesterday morning, about the tribe's current difficulties.
"His only words to me was that he sits with the king and he [sees] himself as a protector of the king."
Mr Roa said the charismatic figure, who would have only just topped five feet was regarded as a classical te reo giant. Known nationally and throughout the Pacific Islands where he'd travelled with Dame Te Ata for his oratory, many would be asking themselves if his death could have possibly come at a worse time.
[pic]"That's the big question that we'll no doubt debate, walk around, talk through ... during the tangi. I would suggest it’s already begun. Who are people who can fulfill his role? Even though he was such a small man, it's going to be impossible to fill his shoes."
Personally, he'd remember him as someone who was generous with young speakers who were finding their feet.
"There's nothing more daunting than standing up and knowing you're representing not only yourself, but your hapu and the whole iwi. His support meant everything."
Rahui Papa, another tribal spokesman, said Mr Haunui learned his craft from greats such as Henare Tuwhangai. The man new how to work a crowd.
"It come with years and years of practice. He knew how to drop a joke and he also knew how to give someone a growling but make them still feel worthy. He was one of the last orators of Te Arikinui's, he was an expert."
Mr Haunui will lie at Waahi Marae in Huntly.
He is survived by his wife, six children and mokopuna.
In the High Court at Hamilton yesterday, Ms Martin sought an injunction in relation to her dismissal. However, Justice Rodney Hansen said the tribe should sought the issue out - should a hearing be required the tribe and Ms Martin were to contact the court in early 2011.
Waikato-Tainui's Tuku Morgan said a disputes resolution process was continuing but it was likely Te Kauhanganui would be the final arbiter of Ms Martin's future. A special meeting was likely before February.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Tainui leader's job still on line
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Wednesday Dec 29, 2010
[pic]
King Tuheitia. Photo / APN
[pic]The Waikato-Tainui leader who was the target of a botched sacking attempt by King Tuheitia is still under threat of losing her position at a January 22 meeting.
Tania Martin, chairwoman of the tribe's parliament Te Kauhanganui, was fired by King Tuheitia this month after she released a disputed report about tribal costs.
He unsuccessfully approached Ms Martin's marae to push his wishes.
King Tuheitia claimed he was using his powers as paramount chief to dismiss her and install his own representative, Greg Miller, to chair the representative body.
Embarrassingly, after a day in court, tribal officials conceded Ms Martin was still chairwoman.
In a report sent to Kauhanganui members, Ms Martin said the purpose of the January meeting called by Te Arataura, the tribe's executive board, "is to disqualify me from Te Kauhanganui".
"I welcome the January meeting with open arms. It will give me the opportunity to finally take the business affairs of Te Kauhanganui back to the House, and speak openly about the activities of Te Arataura since our general meeting in November.
[pic]"Given the adversity I've experienced over the last four weeks, I am now concerned that members of Te Kauhanganui may now live in fear. Not fear of physical danger, but fear that their decisions will not be adhered to, fear that their marae will be approached to have them removed from Te Kauhanganui [and] fear that tribal resources available to Te Arataura will be used against our marae, hapu and therefore our iwi."
Ms Martin did not directly criticise the King. Instead, she cites Tukoroirangi Morgan, who chairs Te Arataura, as a leading figure in the crisis, based on media reports that he told the King at a public meeting that he wanted Ms Martin gone.
Uncertainty over the viability of a review called for by Te Kauhanganui and related to Te Arataura's performance is also outlined in the report.
Despite Tainui's status as one of the wealthiest tribes in the country the review might not happen.
"I am unable to secure the expertise of external auditors to do this on our behalf, without an assurance that they will be paid. I do not have the funds to do this myself," said Ms Martin in the report.
The King's private secretary Rangi Wallace, who also goes by the name Rangi Whakaruru, also features in the report.
He was involved in the meeting at which the King asked Hiiona Marae to remove Ms Martin.
"The King's private secretary ... and [Greg Miller], subjected my kaumatua and our trustees to verbal comments attacking my character and credibility ... My marae was asked twice to stand me down ... and they responded both times that they supported me.
With that, he simply beckoned my marae to leave Turangawaewae House."
Tribal parliamentarians are paid a fee to attend the January meeting. Nearly, $50,000 is being spent to discuss the one resolution.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Vote goes against King
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Sunday Jan 23, 2011
[pic]Kingitanga monarch Tuheitia Paki lost an embarrassing battle to oust a crusading tribal leader yesterday.
In a landmark vote, the Waikato-Tainui Parliament Te Kauhanganui voted to keep Tania Martin as its chairwoman.
Martin's leadership was reaffirmed in an extraordinary meeting where 32 marae delegates supported her. Twenty-one voted against her and seven were invalid.
The vote followed the King using his status as paramount chief to fire Martin from her post.
Martin took High Court action which forced the issue back to the parliament so members could decide her fate. It followed a row sparked by the release of a report by Martin that criticised levels of spending by Te Arataura, the parliament's executive board.
Before the meeting, sources said Tuheitia was confident he had at least half the votes from 66 marae representatives. Tuheitia was not at the meeting.
29 1 2011-02-04Enigma of a strong Kingitanga woman who's staying staunch
By Yvonne Tahana
11:03 AM Saturday Jan 29, 2011
[pic]
Tania Martin. Photo / Supplied
[pic]It's been a difficult time for Tania Martin, the Waikato-Tainui leader who bounced back last week from a political crisis sparked by her scathing November report about executive tribal spending.
King Tuheitia fired her as a chairwoman of the tribe's parliament, Te Kauhanganui, shortly after.
However, she refused to distance herself from her report which asked for greater transparency and a review of Te Arataura's (Tainui's executive board) activities.
In an iwi where kingitanga membership comes with an expectation by some to fall into line, Ms Martin held hers. She's been bolstered with quiet support from some of the tribe's more visible leaders. The marae she represents, Hiiona, refused to dismiss her as their parliamentary representative.
Her position was reinforced when Te Kauhanganui members voted to confirm her continued leadership last week, an embarrassment for the king and Tuku Morgan who leads Te Arataura.
Because Ms Martin has remained largely silent, except for one interview with Maori Television, she remains an enigma to those outside of Tainui.
[pic]She politely declined to be interviewed for this piece and few were willing to talk on the record about her, including whanau members.
Te Kauhanganui member Carmen Kirkwood's reluctance is indicative of supporters' predicament.
Mrs Kirkwood is a respected kuia who is known for her fight to protect the Manual Harbour and northern Tainui's environmental interests.
In a short interview she reveals approval. "I think the vote says it all. The result of the vote talks about her integrity."
Mrs Kirkwood cites a media policy not to talk outside of meetings as the reason for not expanding on her support. But her reticence cuts much deeper. As the author of three kingitanga books published by the tribe, and her day-to-day work on behalf of it, her devotion to the movement isn't at question. But there's a tacit concern that speaking out could further damage the king who was so embroiled in the spat.
Ms Martin, a mother of four, has worked for Te Wananga o Aotearoa as a tutor. Nearing 50, she's had health troubles and last week was in hospital recovering from an operation.
In her Native Affairs interview she spoke of being mentored by tribal giant Sir Bob Mahuta, her passion for Te Kauhanganui and how she was asked to stand for the chair.
"I've always been a boisterous and quite inquiring member of Te Kauhanganui. I'm not sure I gained a lot of support but there was a need, I guess, for some order; and I think me being as questioning as I was may have given some people some confidence I could perhaps give that order."
A woman with a zero profile before this, she's employed a sharp strategy. Her first leaked report and successive updates were released directly to Te Kauhanganui members without passing through tribal governance or bureaucracy levels.
That's kept Te Arataura on the back foot even as Mr Morgan has continued to publicly criticise Ms Martin's papers as inaccurate and mischievous. Publicly she's refused to say how she's dealt with the pressure which increased when the king's senior orator Hone Haunui died last month.
In correspondence she writes: "Uncle John mentored me in silence, and the last words he said to me were 'You be strong, girl! Your position is not for you alone, but for the people. Stand up for the people'."
She also writes about feeling unwelcome at Mr Haunui's tangi.
"Due to an incident that evening, which was prompted yet again by the King's behaviour, I have thought it better not to return to Waahi Paa until Uncle John's burial on Saturday."
Others in a minority camp believe Te Kauhanganui's support is less a case of ringing endorsement for Ms Martin than a mini-rebellion against Mr Morgan's leadership of the under fire Te Arataura and his associated political management of the report's aftermath.
The ugliness associated with allegations directed at Ms Martin for historic financial mismanagement was a risky ploy - which didn't pay off at last week's meeting.
Mr Morgan has warned he intends to take those allegations to the police on the basis that a person who is calling for greater accountability should be squeaky clean themselves.
Still, tribal member Angeline Greensill represents a large group who are grateful for Ms Martin's report. Ms Greensill's an outspoken rarity, often getting offside with tribal hierarchy.
Now it seems she's been joined by another whom she characterises as a strong, staunch kingitanga woman.
"I think she's refreshing. She's keen to do the job that the people have put her there for."
She believes the balance of power between the tribe's parliament and board is swinging.
Te Arataura voting pay rises to themselves irked many, she said.
"I think [parliament members] have been rethinking 'what is our power? How did they become the power?'
"Let's flex some muscle and say you are accountable to us and let's see what you've been doing."'
But the instability is far from over, and will continue while the boundaries between Te Kauhanganui, Te Arataura and the kingitanga remain mutable, she believes.
The controversy
* Tania Martin's report alleged an increase in honorarium payments to Te Arataura members by $15,000.
* It also claimed there had been a 100 per cent increase in meetings' fees against a backdrop of "phenomenal" operational costs, and a declining rate of distribution to Waikato-Tainui beneficiaries.
* The report recommended a review of Te Arataura's activities, the role of Te Kauhanganui officers and parameters for a constitutional review.
* The report's accuracy was disputed by Te Arataura and King Tuheitia.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Royal travel bill $64,360
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Friday Mar 11, 2011
[pic]
Expand
The Maori King Tuheitia Paki and his wife Te Atawhai (centre). Photo / Greg Bowker
[pic]King Tuheitia's wife and son flew to Washington DC to attend the annual National Prayer Breakfast with President Barack Obama and associated events last month at a cost of $64,360.
A leaked travel bill from Orbit Corporate Travel was invoiced to "Ururangi Trust" - the body that handles an annual $1.28 million grant given to the King by Waikato-Tainui.
The bill is for Atawhai Paki and her son Whatumoana who, according to an email sent to the Herald via former broadcaster David Beatson, are also known as Te Makau Ariki Atawhai and Te Ariki Tamaroa Whatumoana.
Mr Beatson is a director of Ururangi Ltd, a company linked to Ururangi Trust. He is also stepfather of Greg Miller, a spokesman for the King.
Mr Miller said the travel arrangements were made through Ururangi for administrative reasons, but the trip was personal and the King had always intended to repay costs.
Asked if the costs had been reimbursed, Mr Miller said the media had received the bill before Ururangi Trust. The bill was a "consolidated invoice" that represented a range of expenses.
He declined to provide a copy of rules on when costs have to be reimbursed.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Rift over Maori King deepens
Published: 6:47PM Sunday June 12, 2011 Source: ONE News
• [pic]Tuku Morgan - Source: ONE News
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o [pic]Rift over Maori King deepens (1:59)
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o Maori King dispute 'tribal chauvinism' - academic watch
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A rift over the behaviour of the Maori King appears to be gaining momentum with two Maori elders raising concerns that he's too involved in Tainui politics.
A meeting today at Turangawaewae, called by Tuku Morgan, was intended to discuss Tainui tribal matters.
But even on the King's home turf kaumatua have spoken out about King Tuheitia.
Comments from Bunny Tumai questioning Tainui authorities brought a profanity-studded outburst from the King.
Speaking to ONE News Tumai described the King's invective as "unreal".
"I'm disappointed that he's lost mana and disappointed at the actions he took."
However Morgan was keen to play down the division, saying it was the "media's problem".
He said while "you can't please a hundred percent" of people, commitment to the King "is undying".
"We are staunch committed followers of the King movement."
But the King's behaviour has been under increasing scrutiny.
Ngapuhi activist David Rankin has accused the King of being an elitist sidetracked by the baubles of power.
And protocols issued by the King made headlines when they suggested that people should limit addresses to the King to two minutes and women should wear tiaras and avoid trousers.
The controversy looks set to continue with another hui expected to hear a motion to remove most of the current executive.
The executive is charged with the day-to-day running of the Tainui parliament, but Meto Hopa claims that many have lost confidence in them.
"It's about time that our kaumautua speak up," said Hopa.
The hui is to be held on Saturday.
Now Playing: Rift over Maori King deepens (1:59)
Treaty expert questions 'trivial' claim
By Hayden Donnell
11:50 AM Tuesday Jun 7, 2011
[pic]
David Rankin says the Kingitanga movement is a 'relic of Pakeha colonialism'. Photo / Northern Advocate
A controversial Ngapuhi activist's claim the Maori King has no right to his title has been written off as "tribal chauvinism" by a Treaty of Waitangi historian.
Ngapuhi Matarahurahu hapu leader David Rankin said giving Tainui leader Tuheitia Paki the title "Maori King" breached the sovereignty of other iwi.
Government ministers, departments and crown agencies referring to King Tuheitia as the "Maori King" are violating Article Two of the Treaty, he said.
His claim over the issue had the potential to split Maoridom, he said.
"How can the sovereignty of Ngapuhi be protected if the leader of another tribe is said to be our king? This is clearly a violation of our tino rangatiratanga.
"As far as the Government is concerned, they have no right to use the term "Maori King." Tuheitia could be called the "King of Huntly" perhaps. I could live with that".
Treaty of Waitangi specialist Paul Moon this morning said Mr Rankin's claim was trivial and ultimately pointless.
[pic]It was unlikely to reach the threshold of prejudicial effect, which would see it proceed to a hearing, he said.
"This claim seems to me to be a case of tribal chauvinism, and on that basis, we need to ask how will anyone benefit from it?"
Mr Rankin's contention the Maori King movement lessened the sovereignty of other iwi was false, Professor Moon said.
"On the contrary, at several times in history, the king movement has been a bastion of Maori sovereignty that some other iwi have looked to for encouragement".
The Kingitanga movement was born in 1858 as tribes sought to find a leader of status similar to the monarch of the British colonising New Zealand.
The role is widely seen as an expression of Maori unity and holds an established place in New Zealand society.
But Mr Rankin called the movement a "relic of nineteenth century Pakeha colonialism".
King Tuheitia was not a traditional Maori leader and his Ngapuhi ancestors would have been hostile to him taking the title, he said.
"This is not about what Tuheita wants to call himself. That's his problem.
"But when he pretends to be our king, then he needs to show his mandate for that or else change his title."
Tuheitia Paki was elected king after his mother, the former Maori Queen Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu, died in August 2006. A spokesman for the King Tuheitia could not be contacted.
Kingdom come
KARLA AKUHATA
Last updated 09:16 04/07/2011
When Nga Puhi chairman Sonny Tau stood at Dame Te Atairangikaahu's tangi and claimed the northern tribe wanted the Kingitanga, more than 60,000 hearts stirred in the Waikato.
For at least 150 years, the Tainui iwi have served as caretakers of the Kingitanga.
Through confiscation, conscription, influenza, extreme poverty and a $170 million raupatu settlement in 1995, which changed the face of the tribe forever, the people have remained loyal to the movement.
Designed to unite the Maori tribes in a bid to stop the loss of land following the New Zealand Land Wars, the responsibility of looking after the Kingitanga has passed down through the Tainui generations.
Formed after a clear directive set in 1858 at Pukawa on the shores of Lake Taupo, the Tainui people have taken care of the Kingitanga movement from the moment their paramount chief Potatau Te Wherowhero was crowned the first Maori King.
The people have held firm to the caretaker position from Tawhiao through Mahuta, Te Rata, Koroki and on to the first Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu. Through Dame Te Ata, the woman who was affectionately known to her subjects as The Lady, has come her son the seventh Maori monarch, Te Arikinui Kingi Tuheitia.
And always that loyalty has remained.
In the past few months, however, the unshakeable faith that has tied Tainui firmly to the Kingitanga has faced a set of challenges that culminated in a press release attacking their king.
Last month, the press release about a Waitangi claim submitted on behalf on the Northern tribe was released by Nga Puhi man David Rankin. In the release, Rankin labelled Kingi Tuheitia a pretender and said he should be known only as "king of Huntly".
His comments have been criticised as whakahihi, or attention-seeking, but despite the pressure, Rankin has remained defiant, saying his intention was to stimulate debate in Maori homes and marae about the future of the Kingitanga.
He had already asserted that many Maori outside of Tainui do not consider Kingi Tuheitia their king, a direct challenge to the Maori King title itself.
But in a follow-up interview, Rankin went a step further, telling the Waikato Times he believed Kingi Tuheitia was not fit to be even an ambassador for the Maori people.
"It is not good for a man in his position to be behaving like he has. He is in a position where he is meant to be an ambassador for us, for Maori people."
134Rankin says Kingi Tuheitia's behaviour, at times, has been inappropriate and disrespectful. He points to Kingi Tuheitia's actions at a Poukai meeting held at a Waikawa marae in Te Kauwhata in November.
It's reported a woman, Tiwai Iti, at the meeting claimed the King had publicly sworn at her after she reprimanded him for using profanities when he addressed Tainui kaumatua Bunny Tumai.
Iti reportedly said she was disgusted and believed nobody should be allowed to speak to the old people like that - not even a king.
There are also the controversial claims asserting Kingi Tuheitia threatened last year at a meeting of Tainui's parliament that he would withdraw as the paramount chief of the tribe and as Maori King if the people did not fall back in line.
The threat had allegedly followed an emotional speech in which Kingi Tuheitia had urged the Tainui people not to question his authority and that of the tribe's executive board after revelations that executive members had been acting inappropriately.
A spokesman for the King, Rahui Papa, denied the claims at the time.
"Many tens of thousands of people witnessed the king's coronation at Turangawaewae following the passing of his mother, Te Arikinui Te Atairangikaahu, in 2006," Papa said at the time.
"The crowning was a sacred ceremony that had followed the debate and ultimate selection by tribal leaders from throughout the country. The head of Kingitanga is not a title that can, nor would ever be abdicated, irrespective of any tribal issues."
But Rankin says the alleged threat of abdicating just adds to his belief that Kingi Tuheitia should not be king.
Then there was the case of Tania Martin, who was sacked by the king as the chairwoman of Tainui's tribal parliament after she wrote a damning report claiming the executive board's spending was out of control.
Mrs Martin was last month awarded more than $36,000 in legal costs after she decided to apply for an injunction through the Hamilton High Court to stop her removal.
She had claimed the move was unconstitutional and the sacking was overturned at a tribal parliament meeting when her position as chairwoman was reconfirmed.
So Rankin's press release is the latest in a long list of unwanted publicity. It featured in news stories produced by almost every media outlet in the country and a search of the Scoop news site will show that he is no stranger to controversy; in fact, Rankin courts it.
Recently there was a release about his transfer - against the wishes of most of his whanau - of the bones of his famous ancestor Hone Heke.
Whatever Rankin's motives are, he is calling for Maoridom to debate whether the Kingitanga remains relevant today and if Tainui should continue as the caretakers of the movement. Continues on B7
The press release was not the first time that a man from Nga Puhi has challenged Tainui's role in the Kingitanga. The issue was raised by Nga Puhi man chairman Sonny Tau at Dame Te Ata's tangi in 2006.
When a Maori monarch dies, it is up to the leaders of a group of tribes that affiliate to the Kingitanga to decide on a successor. The group consists of some of Maoridom's largest and most powerful iwi.
During the discussions about Dame Te Ata's successor at her tangi, Tau is alleged to have claimed the northern tribe could take over as the caretakers of the movement.
His approach was rebuffed and Kingi Tuheitia was crowned on the day his mother was buried. Nga Puhi was presented at the coronation and the annual celebrations that have followed, but through Tau's challenge, it was clear Kingi Tuheitia's selection was not a straightforward one.
Critics say Kingi Tuheitia assumed the role with relatively little experience or grooming.
Where his mother was schooled in the old ways through one of Tainui's most influential leaders, Kingi Tuheitia largely stayed out of tribal affairs until his coronation.
Before she became Queen and in the early years of her reign, Dame Te Ata was mentored by Tainui leader Te Puea. There was little money and resources for most of her time, but her advisers were steeped in tikanga and protected their Queen with loyal advice.
This continued until her death.
In comparison, before his coronation, Kingi Tuheitia was a truck driver, a small business owner and a staff member at Te Wananga o Aotearoa. He was not fluent in te reo Maori or entirely comfortable with the attention the position demanded.
Notoriously shy, Kingi Tuheitia has declined almost all media interviews and some tribal members believe he may be floundering a little in his new role.
He also seems to lack experienced people to help him navigate the complexities of the role. Within two years of Kingi Tuheitia's coronation, most of Dame Te Ata's advisers were gone from the King's office.
In their places are a new breed consisting of a circle considered to be trusted friends of Kingi Tuheitia, including Tainui executive board chairman Tukoroirangi Morgan, former entertainer Rangi Wallace, former journalist David Beetson and a general manager at Toll Holdings, Greg Miller.
It is well known within tribal circles that Kingi Tuheitia's immediate family are disgruntled with the direction the Kingitanga movement has taken under his leadership and it is his circle of advisers who are being blamed.
Morgan says Kingi Tuheitia is the ariki and paramount chief of the tribe.
"The politics of the tribe is dealt with in the engine room of the tribe and that is [executive board] Te Arataura. They are the political voice and at the head of the board is myself. I am the political spokesperson for Waikato TAINUI."
And while there are those, like Rankin, who believe Kingi Tuheitia has had his chance, there are also those who maintain he needs more time to adjust to the role, just as his mother was afforded.
Morgan says the situation hasn't been helped by two Tainui kaumatua - Bunny Tumai and tribe historian Meto Hopa - coming out and publicly voicing their concerns about the state of the Kingitanga and Tainui.
Tumai is the man who was sworn at by the King last year and Hopa is one of the many who have rallied around him following the incident at Waipapa marae.
Morgan says the men had no right to talk to the media about the issues pertaining to the Kingitanga.
"People have been very clear: if you have got something to say, then say it in front of our people and don't hide behind the cloak of secrecy or the cloak of the media. The media is not the place for them to talk about their concerns in relation to the Kingitanga.
"Those two kaumatua, I don't regard them as kaumatua of any consequence - they certainly don't have the respect of people like Hu-ki-te-Rangi Muru, Koroneihana Cooper or John Haunui."
Morgan is unapologetic about being fiercely protective of Kingi Tuheitia, but his loyalty is somewhat understandable.
Because if the title is to be taken from Kingi Tuheitia, then what will become of the Tainui people, whose tribal identity is so enmeshed in the Kingitanga movement?
Hopa, one of the men who was criticised by Morgan, says he is adamant the responsibility for the movement will remain with Tainui and he will be a loyal member until his death - but he is not happy with some of the things that have happened with the tribe and the Kingitanga.
The Kawhia historian, who was brought up in the Kingitanga movement with an in-depth knowledge of Maori lore, says he was deeply saddened when he heard the King had threatened Horahora kaumatua Bunny Tumai at the poukai at Waikare marae in Te Kauwhata in November.
Tumai had queried statements made by Morgan when the King stood, pointed his tokotoko (walking stick) and swore at him.
Hopa says he felt sorry for his fellow kaumatua, that he was the subject of such disrespectful behaviour, and points to Tumai's lineage through his whakapapa, genealogy which links him and his family to the Kingitanga's inception.
"I feel sorry for Bunny in the way he was treated; he is a man of respect. He is a very strong advocate of the Kingitanga and for him to be treated like this is not good."
He explains the Maori arena of oratory, in which the rules must be obeyed, is serious business. And for a man to point his tokotoko at someone else is considered the ultimate curse.
"We call that a curse and we have got to be aware that it is a curse.
"When you point a tokotoko at someone and you are talking straight at them and using very harsh words, that is very dangerous. Once you point that stick at someone, then you involve the whole tribe."
And it would seem Hopa is right.
In recent weeks, Hopa's criticism of Tainui's executive board and the King's advisers has become more urgent and he has been vocal in his disgust that they have dragged Kingi Tuheitia into the tribe's politics.
He was disappointed a meeting of Tainui's tribal parliament, Te Kauhanganui, did not go ahead last month after the executive board successfully sought an injunction in the Hamilton High Court to stop it.
It had been planned for the tribal parliament to vote on a resolution seeking the removal of 10 of 11 members on the executive board. The 11th member is the Kaahui Aariki representative and can only be selected or removed by the head of the Kingitanga.
Hopa says the people needed to be able to speak on the matter because it was not only about protecting the tribe, it is also about fulfilling the role of caretaker of Kingitanga.
Traditionally the head of the Kingitanga movement is encouraged to stay out of all politics and Hopa confirms the people believe this is still the case, with many pleading for the King to keep his distance from tribal politics.
"He [Kingi Tuheitia] should not descend to this level because it affects his mana and it affects the mana of the people who put him there.
"He needs to go back to the teachings of the Kingitanga, because it is written there and nobody is listening. It is all there in the tongi or the proverbs, the guidance which is required to bring us into this new world.
"Money is fine, but it needs to be used for all our people. The depth of the Kingitanga is predicted in our sayings. We were better off when we had nothing - we were a very close tribe when we had no money.
"That is what I am so sad about."
And what of the man who was sworn at by the King?
Charles Bunny Tumai, in his own words, is and will always remain loyal to Kingitanga.
"When it comes to the Kingitanga, you are either in or you're out and I am definitely in. The Kingitanga is fine, but as far as the King goes, I don't like the route he is taking and I resent the close association with Te Arataura.
"The King must keep out of the business of Tainui's affairs because he must be aloof and safe. By that I mean that if he takes that view, he would keep safe and we will be able to keep him safe.
"We won't allow it to get to that point when it no longer exists. We will do something drastic before then and one those things is getting rid of Te Arataura."
The Waikato River. Photo / Jim Eagles
A couple of young men looking a bit scruffy in their tracksuit pants and T-shirts wander along a street in Ngaruawahia, population about 5000.
The little mid-North Island town is divided by State Highway 1, and cars and trucks thunder through, taking no notice of where they are.
Ngaruawahia, which means open the food pits, was here long before the highway.
The mighty Waikato flows through town too. The river is integral to the local people, Waikato-Tainui, and Taupiri mountain with its burial ground of ancestors is a sacred backdrop.
This is Tainui heartland. Turangawaewae Marae was built here in the 1920s and is the headquarters of the Kingitanga, the Maori King movement formed 150 years ago to unify Maori tribes and stem the loss of land to European settlers.
War and bloodshed followed in the Waikato and much land was confiscated.
All these years later, huge progress has been made on land and river claims, but not so much on unity within the tribe.
The men in trackies aren't keen on talking. Nah, they don't keep up with all that, they say, when asked about the latest bitter divisions and power struggles going on within their iwi, a federation of tribes named Tainui after one of the first waka to arrive in New Zealand.
But one puts his hand to his heart and says "kaupapa Kingitanga, that's us," and the men walk on.
Around these parts you find strong loyalty and pride in the Kingitanga but an iwi struggling to get to grips with how to operate in the wake of a historic apology and settlement - $170 million and land - signed off in the mid-1990s.
After a rocky start and some bad investments, the settlement has grown by the tribe's separate business arm to be worth $658 million and Tainui is now the country's richest iwi.
But the tribal leadership is in turmoil.
Though the post-settlement set-up makes Tainui the most democratic of tribes with its own large parliament, there has been in-fighting and power struggles, and lately what some are calling a constitutional crisis involving serious allegations about spending.
Former journalist and NZ First MP Tukoroirangi Morgan (of the flash underpants infamy) is a prominent protagonist.
Morgan is close to the Maori King, Tuheitia, and chairs Te Arataura, the executive board of Te Kauhanganui, the tribe's "parliament."
On the other side is the lesser-known Tania Martin, a former teacher and lecturer and the first woman to chair Te Kauhanganui.
Martin has challenged Te Arataura about its spending and alleges a blow-out of money from an annual $10 million dividend given to the parliament by the business arm for distribution in the form of grants and scholarships.
A bitter war of words and court action has ensued.
This is not new. The way Tainui was structured legally after the settlement is complicated, to say the least, and the history has been to rush to court.
In the post-settlement years sackings and resignations have become almost routine, but some say simmering away beneath the strong personalities and power struggles are deeper issues around how Maori with large settlements fit into Pakeha legal structures, which are limited in being able to mix their social, cultural and commercial objectives.
In legal terms Te Kauhanganui is not really a parliament but a large incorporated society with a constitution and rules. Most members can jump up and quote them but some of the rules are vague and seem to cause immense confusion.
Unlike other tribes, Tainui's structure is further complicated by the role of the Kingitanga - the rules state the mana of the Kingitanga must be upheld - but it is not defined whether the ruler has any actual power.
The current King, Tuheitia, doesn't have power in a legal sense, which he found out when he sacked Tania Martin as chair of Te Kauhanganui last year.
In fact, King Tuheitia, who succeeded his widely respected mother Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu in 2006, is considered by many to have erred in getting involved in this dispute.
The King stepped in after Martin had tabled a report at a meeting of the parliament, detailing her allegations about Te Arataura's spending and calling for a financial review.
Morgan was enraged and strongly disputed her figures and the King sacked her for bringing the tribe into disrepute.
Martin, meanwhile, headed to court to challenge her sacking and won, but another member of Te Kauhanganui says Te Arataura still forced the parliament to vote for her again - and again she won easily.
This member says Te Arataura had been acting arrogantly for some time and the parliament was sick of it.
The board - really just a committee - had made amendments to the rules without asking the house, including one basically giving themselves a veto power. "The tail is wagging the dog," the member said.
"Tuku has told us time and time again that we don't have the power, that Te Arataura has the power."
In the latest twist, Martin called for a vote of no confidence in Morgan and thinking she had won (30 in favour, 27 against, six invalid) went ahead and declared him disqualified. But Morgan challenged the way the voting rules were interpreted, headed straight to court, where this time he won, and is now hanging on.
Some people we spoke to say they admire Martin for taking on Morgan and the executive, saying that in Tainui, where women are supposed to know their place, this is gutsy.
Others say Morgan can be arrogant and a bully and has had some harebrained schemes, such as wanting to buy the King of Tonga's house as a royal residence for the Maori King.
But others also say Morgan has been a great negotiator for the tribe and with his co-negotiator, the late Lady Raiha Mahuta (widow of the late Sir Robert), attained the recent ground-breaking Waikato River settlement with the Crown which gives Tainui co-governance of their beloved waterway.
Both have the love of the tribe at heart, we were told, but the rules governing the tribal parliament are messy.
One such rule is that no one can bring the tribe into disrepute and this seems to be a handy go-to clause to get rid of opponents.
Martin stresses the whole situation is not and has never been about Tania and Tuku, but is about finding a way through an impasse between Te Kauhanganui and the executive - and about spending.
She arrives for our interview at the Ibis Tainui in Hamilton alone and is at times emotional. This battle is taking its toll on the 49-year-old mother of four.
She says she has been receiving threats and has called in the police. The people are angry, she says, and confidence in Te Arataura has declined dramatically.
A climate of "fear, intimidation and bullying" exists, she says, and she thinks in her case this is enhanced because she is a woman.
She loves her tribe and works hard for them and was raised to love and respect the Kingitanga which incorporates ideals such as solidarity and unity for all Maori.
But the King's role is supposed to be apolitical and she says he should not come and interfere in the business of the house.
When the King sacked her, for disrupting the tribe, she was humiliated and has found this hard to bear.
She thinks the structure of the tribe, as an incorporated society, is fine but believes the rules which govern the parliament are confusing and outdated - and skewed in favour of Te Arataura.
She insists again that this is not personal and that she once got on fine with Morgan but says that relationship began to sour when she began asking questions about spending.
Martin was a member of Te Arataura herself, from 2006 to 2009, and says she saw then that there was a need for more information to come back to the parliament.
This issue is about a lack of transparency and accountability, she says.
In 2009, she says, Te Arataura had substantial cash reserves and she questions where that has gone.
She says in 2010 the executive spent more than $1.7 million on themselves; "we're talking about 11 people", that $313,000 was on travel and $467,000 on legal and consultancy fees.
Distribution for 68 marae, however, was reduced to $750,000 and education grants of usually $1 million were down to $550,000.
She also says the board increased their own fees without asking the house and she questions why some earn $100,000 a year (saying Morgan earns $75,000 in his role as chair of Te Arataura and another $45,000 as tribal negotiator).
"I think that's what I'm getting blamed for, the fact that I asked these questions ... and the contention, dissension, the hate, all starts from there."
Another issue is her own legal fees. Another member said Te Kauhanganui had resolved "overwhelmingly" to pay Martin's legal costs from the court case after the King had sacked her, but that Te Arataura refused to pay and forced her back to court.
Martin acknowledges there has been much use of the High Court by various parties, when matters should have been sorted out internally.
She quotes the second Maori King, Tawhiao: "Maku ano e hanga, i toku nei whare - I shall fashion my own house" - but says kaumatua sometimes comment that "no, we're actually going to someone else's house and getting the Pakeha judge to sort out our own house".
"But I guess that's us learning the law. I thinking we're learning to adapt to the law from the lore..."
Morgan says Martin's claims are "absolute nonsense". Te Arataura has handed over the financial paperwork to KPMG for the financial review, he says.
Te Arataura listened to the parliament but the rules were clear about the job of the chairperson of Te Kauhanganui - which was only to facilitate meetings.
"That's the job, in the rules that's the precise role and function and there is all this interpretation and that role is undeniable. Tania Martin is trying to grow a job for herself.
"Tania Martin also has resolution after resolution to minimise Te Arataura so that the decision making can be captured by herself and those who line up with her."
He says the day-to-day activities sit with the executive, as per the rules and the constitution: "You can't have 204 people (the parliament) running our business, that's an impossibility."
But he acknowledges parts of the structure are unworkable and says he and Te Arataura are pushing for a much wider review of the structure, rules and constitution.
"Because we have to get on. We're a huge multimillion-dollar corporation. We have to find ways, you know, creative ways to keep going and these issues with Tania Martin are actually insignificant in my view, because there is a greater purpose and there are major issues to be achieved, including our claim over Auckland and also the West Coast harbours.
"Those are unresolved issues that are very important to the tribe and at the vanguard of that work is myself and a team of people who are trying to resolve those outstanding issues in the same way that we've resolved the river claim."
When asked if he is a bully, Morgan says he is not. "Oh, I provide strong leadership. I'm not a bully, I don't describe myself as a bully ..."
His record speaks for itself, he says; the river settlement was a superb arrangement:
"I'm not in the job to be popular, I'm in the job to get things done."
As far as the governance problems go, it is part of the growing pains of a tribal powerhouse. "When the demands of post-settlement are thrust upon us there are no footprints to follow in the sand."
Tainui academic and lawyer Dr Robert Joseph says unless the issues are sorted out, this power struggle won't be the last.
Litigation has been happening since Te Kauhanganui was set up, but Joseph points out the legal entity options available are not necessarily the best way to deal with the corporate, cultural and social objectives which are often opposing and contradictory.
An incorporated society is the best option there is, but raises questions about what is the place of tikanga (custom) and the law, the place of Kingitanga and the law. Throw in another huge element he calls the "human challenge" and the issues complicate.
"When you're making a lot of money and the stakes are high, you're going to get all of a sudden people wanting to have a say on maintaining the power, how it's going to be used."
In Tainui there is a lot of poverty among the people, but Joseph says as an incorporated society Te Kauhanganui is legally constrained - as a charitable trust money can't just be given away to individuals but has to be used for the society and its purposes, given as grants.
A few years ago, Joseph was involved in a Law Commission project which was about trying to improve legal structures for Maori who have or will have similar challenges after settlement.
A big report was written, recommending a new entity for Maori communities which could be tailor-made for iwi with accountability, transparency, governance measures and a dispute resolution forum, but languished in Parliament.
Actually, says former Prime Minister and former head of the Law Commission, Sir Geoffrey Palmer, the report was thrown out by the National Government and quite a few Maori did not like it: "... it probably was not going to help the patriarchy if you know what I mean?"
He says it was a shame the report never made it through central Government because it was not easy melding Western European governance structures into traditional Maori: "that's a really difficult and complicated thing to do".
But no structure is foolproof, he says.
"I mean, people are prone to fight with one another, it doesn't matter if they're Maori or not."
On the streets in Ngaruawahia and nearby Huntly (where King Tuheitia lives) there were mixed opinions about it all - and often no opinion.
More than one person said words to the effect of "I'm not going near that" or "nope, not getting into that".
But some did speak willingly. One was Patara Berryman, breakfast host for Radio Tainui and a rangitahi (youth) member of Te Kauhanganui.
The major issue, the 32-year-old says, is not Tuku and Tania but that a major review of the governance needs to be be carried out.
He thinks most people respect both Martin and Morgan and says both are leaders not afraid to put themselves out there.
The tribe needs to move forward and get some employment opportunities going for the people because poverty is still a big issue, though Berryman says it will take time to fix.
He says marae have definitely benefited from grants, with many now upgraded with million-dollar kitchens to feed the people, but people have to be patient.
"This is not for our generation, this is for generations down the track ... it took us 150 years to get to this point and it's going to take another 150 to get to the next and as long as we all just realise that and get on with the job we should be fine."
68: The number of marae who elect members to Te Kauhananui, the Tainui Parliament
204: Number of members in Te Kauhanganui
11: Number of members on Te Arataura, Te Kauhanganui's executive, one of whom is appointed by the King.
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
King Tuheitia's just not up to it
Here’s my take, for what it’s worth, on the current upheavals in the Tainui tribe. I stress that I claim no expertise in this area and have no inside knowledge. However this doesn’t prevent me (or anyone else, for that matter) from reaching my own conclusions based on what I read and hear.
King Tuheitia is not up to the job. He lacks the mana, the dignity and, dare I say it, the integrity of his late mother, who would doubtless have been appalled at his use of the f-word when abusing members of his own tribe on the marae last Saturday.
I suspect the king isn’t very bright and leans heavily on advisers like Tainui chairman Tuku Morgan. I’m not sure that Morgan is terribly bright either, but you have to credit him with a degree of cunning and political nous, to say nothing of ambition. A former hack journalist and utterly undistinguished MP, Morgan has adroitly manoeuvred himself into a position of real influence and power not only within Tainui but in Maoridom at large. (People forget that Morgan was one of the so-called waka jumpers who quit New Zealand First for the Mauri Pacific Party, formed by his equally opportunistic brother-in-law Tau Henare. After Mauri Pacific was deservedly annihilated in the 1999 elections, Henare fled to National - and was disgracefully rewarded with the chairmanship of the Maori Affairs select committee - while Morgan set about building a power base within Maoridom. )
Tainui has a complex hierarchical structure and has been bedevilled for years by power struggles. These were documented in the New Zealand Herald yesterday in an article by Dr Rawiri Taonui, who described Morgan as the puppet master behind the throne.
Morgan is up to his eyeballs in the current furore because Tania Martin, the woman King Tuheitia summarily sacked as the head of the tribe’s representative body, was making waves over spending by the executive board which Morgan chairs.
A critical report written by Martin alleged that during the past seven months, board members had received $546,000 in fees and spent $314,000 on travel and $467,000 on legal fees. The report also claimed that a 10-day trip to Australia by Morgan and two Tainui staff cost the tribe $25,000.
Morgan and the king say the report is inaccurate, but Morgan does appear to have a taste for the good life; in 1997, as a director of Aotearoa Television, he spent $4000 of public money on clothes, including $89 on a pair of designer underpants.
Tania Martin’s dismissal has since been reversed. Her position was an elected one and it appears that the king and his inner circle have been forced to accept that her sacking was unconstitutional.
What we are witnessing in Tainui is a classic conflict between a privileged, hierarchical leadership that appears to resent being called to account – that much was obvious from the King’s abusive language last weekend – and a democratically elected representative body which, while still respectful toward the hereditary leadership, wants some answers. A bit like the old Tonga, really.
Is it anyone else’s business? Yes it is, because Tainui is numerically one of the biggest iwi and traditionally has had the ear of government. It is also one of the wealthiest tribes, thanks partly to the $170 million Treaty settlement of 1995, and is a major economic force within the Waikato region. It’s also represented (by Morgan, of course) on the powerful iwi leadership group which is helping shape government policy on such crucial issues as the foreshore and seabed and the ownership of minerals.
Given its influence in national affairs and its potential contribution to Maori economic wellbeing, what happens in Tainui is everyone’s business – though I imagine King Tuheitia and Tuku Morgan would forcefully argue otherwise.
Posted by Karl du Fresne at 10:23 AM
Labels: King Tuheitia, Tainui, Tuku Morgan
05 Jan 2012 16 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Maxine Moana Tuwhangai, Te Kauhanganui, Uncategorized Tags: driven by greed, tuku morgan
The news is out – they’re staging a coup. While you’re out on holiday, Tuku Morgan and his fellow Te Arataura conspirators are fighting to have the Te Kauhanganui elections cancelled so that Morgan can stage a takeover. That way he can take control of the entire tribal resources for himself and do as he pleases.
Morgan’s coup attempt will have the support of the usual suspects:
• Patience Te Ao (mo’ money)
• Charles Joe (mo’ money)
• Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai (mo’ money)
• Kingi Porima (mo’ money)
• Robert Tukiri (mo’ money)
• Greg Miller (mo’ money)
• Timi Maipi (mo’ money)
• Rahui Papa (mo’ money)
• Rukumoana Schaafhousen (mo’ money)
• Parekawhia McLean (mo’ money)
• Tama Potaka (mo’ money)
• Mike Pohio (mo’ money)
• Hori Awa (mo’ money)
• Tuheitia Paki The Maori King (mo’ money)
Big on lies and unmatched greed, Tuku Morgan has offered the inducements of big paying management jobs and mo’ money to his fellow co-conspirators for their support of his coup which seeks to to destroy tribal democracy, and to use and abuse the resources of the tribe as exclusively his.
Driven by his own desperation and greed which was exacerbated even further when he couldn’t get the Te Kauhanganui chair thrown out by the high court, Tuku Morgan would attempt to have the whole Te Kauhanganui tribal parliament disbanded so that he can steal the lot for himself. A nasty plot!
Wake up Tainui, before it’s too late!
To provoke thought…
06 Jan 2012 Leave a Comment
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Maxine Moana Tuwhangai, Parekawhia McLean, Uncategorized
Sent to us via the email lists…
• Why has Te Arataura behaved in a manner that has denigrated the mana of the very ‘body’ that elected them?
• Was all the unnecessary litigation by Te Arataura, which has cost Te Kauhanganui nearly $1m approx, designed to serve as ‘smokey mirrors’.
• Is this pattern of behaviour part of a bigger plan to effectively ‘dysfunctional-ise’ the main ‘body’, upon which the Custodial Trustee may then have certain powers?
• What would be the best possible way to cover up a 3-year term of financial excesses then shutting Te Kauhanganui down, if all other attempts have failed?
• Who will have power and control of our tribal asset base for the meantime anyway, if the main ‘body’ is dissolved?
• Why has Te Arataura contravened the Rules by postponing the election, when their 3-year license has expired, and we have a entirely new membership?
• What other explanation can a group of 11 people have for doing what they have done over the past 12 months, if it’s not part of a bigger plan?
• Why, all of a sudden, has the king announced that he wants a new Te Kauhanganui, a new Te Arataura, and control of tribal funds to start anew and put our people back on the right track?
• Will the king’s way be the right way for our people, and produce a sustainable future for our mokopuna?
Revolt brewing against Maori King
KARLA AKUHATA
Last updated 05:00 06/01/2012
[pic]
Waikato Times
KING TUHEITIA: Head of the Tainui tribe and Maori King.
Discussions to replace the Maori King have ramped up after he announced he wanted to take over Tainui's tribal parliament.
King Tuheitia, also the paramount chief of Waikato-Tainui, told a meeting at Horahora marae, near Rangiriri, on New Year's Day he wanted to take control of the tribe's parliament, Te Kauhanganui, and its executive, Te Arataura. He warned Tainui marae not to attend the next meeting of the tribal parliament, scheduled for February 26.
King Tuheitia also said he wanted to see the back of the Tainui executive's controversial leader Tukoroirangi Morgan, and demanded a new Te Arataura.
But the king may not get his way: according to the tribe's rules, members of the tribal parliament and its executive can be selected by a vote only.
The tribal parliament is made up of three members chosen by each of the 68 marae affiliated to Waikato-Tainui and elected every three years to form the tribal parliament.
Once the parliament is selected an election is held at which the newly appointed Te Kauhanganui members elect 10 from its group to form the executive committee, which has day-to-day control over the tribe's resources. An 11th is selected by King Tuheitia to represent his interests.
A new tribal parliament was selected at the end of the year. However, members are yet to be inducted after it was decided by the current executive to postpone it. The election to select a new executive should have been held next month but it was postponed until March.
It is not the first time King Tuheitia has waded into the tribe's politics. Last year he drew criticism when he stood at a meeting in 2010 and swore at several members of the tribe including Tainui kaumatua Charles "Bunny" Tumai.
Mr Tumai, who was recently elected as one of the Horahora marae representatives on the tribal parliament, said he was disappointed King Tuheitia continued to act in a way that was beneath his station.
Jan 19, 2012
More trouble in Tainui
Trouble in Tainui continues with the King signalling his intentions to take over Te Kauhanganui (Tainui Parliament) and Te Arataura (Tainui Executive). From the Waikato Times:
Discussions to replace the Maori King have ramped up after he announced he wanted to take over Tainui's tribal parliament.
King Tuheitia, also the paramount chief of Waikato-Tainui, told a meeting at Horahora marae, near Rangiriri, on New Year's Day he wanted to take control of the tribe's parliament, Te Kauhanganui (TK), and its executive, Te Arataura (TA). He warned Tainui marae not to attend the next meeting of the tribal parliament, scheduled for February 26.
King Tuheitia also said he wanted to see the back of the Tainui executive's controversial leader Tukoroirangi Morgan, and demanded a new TA.
The Kingitanga sits above TK, but in a ceremonial sense rather than a legal sense. TK is, I believe, an incorporated society with its own rules that prevent the King from removing trustees and, for lack of a better term, commandeering the society. Case in point, when the King removed Tania Martin as Chair of TK the Court found that the King had no legal power to do so. Consequently, Martin was reinstated. TK’s rules state that the Chair can only be removed or instated via a tribal vote. The same rules apply to TA. Therefore, the King cannot remove Tuku Morgan.
I think it’s funny that the King wants to use his ceremonial power to remove Tuku. Last year when the King removed, or tried to remove, Tania Martin, he did so at the request of Tuku Morgan. Tuku obviously believed the King had the legal power, or more probably the mana, to remove her. Now, the shoe is on the other foot and the King is looking to use his authority as Arikinui of Tainui to remove Tuku. I wonder if Tuku will cry foul, even though he tried to have the same thing done almost a year ago.
I don’t think the King is going to be removed, nor do I think the King will do any removing. The tribe is too dysfunctional. TA is delaying the election of a new board and there are accusations of financial cover ups and crony appointments. Last year Tainui stumbled from controversy to controversy. Trouble in Tainui erupted when Tania Martin released a damning report criticising TA. In response, Tuku Morgan lobbied Kingi Tuheitia to remove Tania Martin as Chair of TK. The King subsequently sacked Ms Martin only for the Court to reinstate her. Martin then publicly released an affidavit which was a damning indictment against TA. TA responded in kind with Tuku publicly slagging Tania Martin on Native Affairs. The tit for tat battle continued with the main events been the repeated attempts by TA to block meetings of TK, a police complaint against Tania Martin and, finally, a failed vote to remove Tuku Morgan.
I’m not sure how to the tribe will fix their problems, hell, a clean out of TK and TA might be the right approach. However, this will never happen with the cunning fox Tuku Morgan on one side and the blundering bear Kingi Tuheitia on the other.
Having said that, if anyone has the mana to redirect Tainui it’s Kingi Tuheitia. However, the likes of Morgan and the rest of TA think that they’re above everyone, even the King and TK. TA won’t go down without a fight, and if they do go down they’ll bring the whole house crashing down too. I’m not seeing a clean solution to this. Last year I simplified Tainui's problems down to:
Rotten personalities and toxic tribal politics. Tainui has experienced more than its share of internal political dramas, then again most Iwi have, but Tainui’s problems seem to play out on the national stage. For me this saga speaks to the unnecessary complexity of Iwi post-settlement entities and the self-interest many of the Iwi elite operate with. The Tainui Brown Table is a putrid one, one that needs to be destroyed and remade. Remade with the interests of the people at its core. The problem Te Arataura has is that they operate like a business. They treat their operations like they are a massive corporation and the people like they are expendable and marginal shareholders. In my opinion, the sooner Tuku and his mates are removed the sooner Te Arataura can go back to serving the people.
I think that still stands.
Posted by Morgan Godfery at 10:15 AM [pic]
Piko
Feb 04, 2012 @ 15:06:25
The Kauhanganui members got the full coloured 65 pages report from kpmg nearly 3 weeks ago. the report from the chairwoman helped my marae make sense of the numbers and she gave the same information that she gave over a year ago. So all this time her report was correct but she got the sack from the king. We can see now why he sack her and why Tuku Morgan wanted her gone. ShamefulThe Farce Continues…
05 Feb 2012 2 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Chapman Tripp, Nick Wells, Parekawhia McLean, Te Arataura, Te Kauhanganui
Oh My God!
In the anticipation of the cancellation yesterday’s Te Kauhanganui meeting by Chapmann Tripp, management CEO Patsy Mclean refused to order the usual tea, coffee, and meals for the tribal parliament meeting. When tribal members heard of this act of utter contempt towards the people, a group of old people (70 even 80 year olds) banded together and worked until the early hours of the morning to make sure refreshments were provided.
So much for the wealth of the $600 million dollar iwi which provides for the people eh? Where did it all go? Only a few days earlier tens of thousands were wasted on a futile visit to the Hamilton high court… madness.
Update: The grapevine is working extremely well for us today as Piko comments that the madness went even further as Patsy Mclean attempts to lockout the people from their own building!
|You are partly right eraka. I happen to know that the chief executive manager locked up the whole house |
|and the chairwoman had to bring in the police and the pakeha locksmiths to open up the Kauhanganui |
|chambers. The kaumatua did all the morning tea and the Horanganui Marae in Melville made hangi for lunch|
|and the meeting empowered the members. What was neat too was that the kuia did the karanga for lunch. |
|Thats manaaki. Boy the chief manager is in big trouble and he might lose his job. |
Cheers Piko!
6 Feb 2012
Awdul day I wasn’t myself felt it but did not know why. Sam would not go to picnic at point I was being stoppede from being with the people. Eventually he went
Big attack on me could not move prayed. Rachael was woken up and told to phone me we worked at clearing things, god lay with meRegime Change: Its Time to Clean out the Lunatics!
06 Feb 2012 4 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Chapman Tripp, Maori King, Nick Wells, Parekawhia McLean, Te Arataura, Te Kauhanganui, Tuheitia Paki, Tuku Morgan
What the? There must be a full moon or something as madness reigns at Tainui:
• Tuku Morgan and Chapmann Trip attempting to have meetings cancelled despite court orders to proceed,
• Tribal CEO Patsy Mclean locking out the owners from their own facilities,
The Maori king attempting to have marae boycott Te Kauhanganui meetings in his effort to overthrow the tribal parliament. The Cracks begin to Appear
06 Feb 2012 3 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Charles Joe, Maxine Moana Tuwhangai, Te Arataura
While they stick the knife in Tuku's back, fellow Te Arataura members show their true colors
Apparently four Te Arataura members were in attendance at Saturday’s meeting.
Why did they wait until the end of their 3 year term before they defied the lockout and Tuku’s orders to boycott the meeting?
Oh, they’re trying to say that dragging Tania Martin through the courts wasn’t their idea because it was all Tuku’s fault! It doesn’t take too much effort to visualize the knives sticking out of Tuku’s back.
Is it because they are trying to suck up to ‘the people’ while they seek re-election to the executive for another 3 more years?
Too little and three years too late is what we say!
WaikatoPolitX
'The welfare of the people is the supreme law'. Cicero
06 February 2012
Message to the Waikato-Times
To the Waikato-Times reporter who put her name to this entry 'Tribe pays for fight of leaders' - you should be ashamed.
This is a beat-up of a post exclusive to this WaikatopolitX.
To that reporter: get your own stories - do your own research. Stop sponging off other people's research and work. Stop tail-gating. Stop poaching other people's ideas & leads.
WaikatopolitX's posting entitled: ''Tuku Morgan's desire for absolute control must end!' was released 5 Feb 2012 . It focused on a central observation by Keane J that there had been four legal actions in 2011. And the point is that WaikatopolitX released the decision.
Further this 'reporter' has not done her homework as there are NOT 68 marae. There are 66 marae. The number of marae referred to in Tuku Morgan's affidavits to the High Court in September was incorrect.
There has never been 68 marae registered as members of TKI.
It is clear this 'lazy reporter' has diminished her own credibility. Had she done the work these details would have been apparent.
And the decision is not recent - it was released in December 2011.
Posted by Chris Webster at 12:20 PM
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Tania Martin's candidate profile
The 2011 Rules of Te Kauhanganui & in particular Rule 5 sets out the process by which people are elected as member representatives of Te Kauhanganui & ipso facto as members of TAA. It is a prescribed process and one that must be completed within a certain time-frame & controlled by TAA.
IN November 2011 36 different people (some supported by their marae & some 'self-appointed') threw their hats into the ring to become a member of TAA.
We have learned that 'very few are very good' lots had 'I am the greatest' promotional messages; some have 'I will work for the people' but did not say how they would 'work for the people' messages. Some are totally unqualified & inappropriate. Some just want the money. All of the current TAA members are 'standing' believing they justify being re-elected.
36 or 33 CANDIDATES FOR 2012 TAA ELECTIONS?
At the induction day on Sat 4 Dec the reps heard there were no 33 candidate profiles (which BTW have yet to be sent out the marae for their consideration).
The original number (36) changed because of two reasons:
1. TAA ruled invalid 2 (two) candidate profile forms & applications as they were late.
2. TAA ruled one (1) other application s 'ineligible'. Why? & Who was ruled ineligible?
This candidate's profile form was submitted in time & complete to CE & 'governance support manager' of WRLT. It's author had followed the due process set out in the Rules & had arrived on 25 Nov 2011.
NO CANDIDATE PROFILES RELEASED
It has now been confirmed that NO candidate profiles have been released by TAA or WRLT governance group. It is also confirmed that Tama Potaka is purportedly 'checking' the validity of the application that has been arbitrarily ruled 'ineligible'.
So who is the candidate that has been disadvantaged. No surprises.
WaikatopolitX is delighted to post this candidates profile. Should other candidates wish for their profiles to be posted - contact us. [pic]
Mauri Ora!
Posted by Chris Webster at 12:04 PM
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05 February 2012
TAA & WRLT Spending the money - fast & furious
The long-awaited report / review focusing on financial management of TAA and the appropriateness of decision making and due diligence processes is now in circulation.
WRLT operates 12 BU - funded largely from dividends generated by TGH. TAA, TKI & 'endowed college' (run at a loss since its inception) are 3 BU.
TAA as executive committee delegates day-to-day admin for TKI to CEO of WRLT.
Background:
In April 2011 TKI requested KPMG to conduct a review focusing on activities related to funds managed by TAA in the period between FY2009 to FY2011 & April & May 2011. Included in the initial scope were:
• financial management
• policy development & implementation
• due diligence & decision making; &
• reporting & accountability &
• governance.
There were two phases:
Phase 1: cover financial management, due diligence & decision making expecting overlaps with governance for PE FY2009 - FY2011 & period April-August 2011.
Phase 2: Governance, policy development & implementation, reporting & accountability.
SOME KEY OBSERVATIONS:
• Deviation from policies & procedures;
• Horahora got a $500,000.00 grant & a $500,000 loan;
• Prior approvals were not obtained for expenditure incurred over budget;
• Delegation of financial authority limits ignored;
• TAA did not sanction travel forms, budget & approval - non existent;
• Citizen paki employee has an outstanding invoice of $17,931.26 for unauthorised & unapproved overseas travel;
• Governance fees approval for $900,000.00 not obtained;
• Purchase orders not approved under delegated financial authority;
• additional meeting claims to support additional meetings fees paid not made available;
• hospitality & entertainment expenses over $1000; travel & accommodation expenses not approved.
TRANSACTIONS without policy or procedures in place:
• Horahora marae loan of $500,000;
• Daily allowances received;
• Increase in governance fees and back dating of these;
• Waikato river settlement payout (amount not recorded);
• TAA member receives koha;
• Unbudgeted expenditure to TAA members,fees, travel, legal, consultancy;
• Unclear information & reporting requirements from TAA to TKI;
• TAA limited visibility & transparency of fund disbursement.
And that is just the beginning.
As further information is received it will be published verbatim.
Posted by Chris Webster at 5:04 PM
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TKI chair report with some incomplete financials
The embattled & weary chair of Te Kauhanganui released her final report to members of 66 Waikato marae which are formally registered & represented in Te Kauhanganui [TKI] & which are identified in the Schedules of the 2011 Rules.
The report is 25 pages & contains damming evidence of the over-spending of the tribal puutea by committee members te arataura [TAA]. In particular it shines a light on some of the monies paid to Ururangi Ltd (citizen paki's private company & charitable trust).
Summary
Of major concern is the unaccounted & unexplained $1.8m difference from the cash reserves.
CASH RESERVES
|FY09 |FY10 |FY11 |
|$5,834,897.00 |$2,200,275.00 |$4,230,457.00 |
FY10: Reduction of $3,790,154.00
FY 11: increase of $2,030,182.00
FY10: Difference $1,759,972.00. Where has, who has , what has happened to this money?
WRLT financial performance
|YE 2009 – 01 April 2008 to 31 March 2009 |
|Total income WRLT |$15,338,674.00 |
|Total expenses |$9,333,690.00 |
|Expenses of total income |60 % |
|Annual divided |$10,000,000 |
|YE2010 |YE2011 |
|01 April 2008 to 31 Mar 2010 |01 April 2008 to 31 March 2011 |
|WRLT: $12,605,937.00 |WRLT: $13,753,225.00 |
|Expenses: $9,075,484.00 |Expenses: $9,011,142.00 |
|Expenses % of total income = 71 % |Expenses % of total income = 65% |
|INCOME, GRANTS, OPEX |FY09 |FY10 |FY11 |
|WRLT |$15,338,674 |$12,605,937 |$13.953.225 |
|Distribution people |$5,340,154 |$2,689,663 |$3,033,412 |
|Ururangi Ltd etc |$2,037,594 |$1,685,647 |$1,326,094 |
|Total expenses |$9,333,690 |$9,075,484 |$9,011,142 |
|TOTAL |$16,711,438 |$13,450,794 |$13,371,648 |
|Why the diff? |$(1,648,764) |$(844,857.00) |$382,577.00 |
TKI OPEX
| |TAA |TKI |
|2009 |- |- |
|Income |1,296,446.00 |427,896.00 |
|Expenses |1,296,446.00 |427,896.00 |
| | | |
|2010 | | |
|Income |- |- |
|Expenses |$1,718,857.00 |$423,147.00 |
|Net loss |$1,718,857.00 |$423,147.00 |
| | | |
|2011 | | |
|Income |$108,615.00* |$213,760.00* |
|Expenses |$1,356,538.00 |$689,236.00 |
|Net loss |$1,247,923.00 |$475,476.00 |
| |*WR River Trust |*WR River Trust |
Legal fees paid to Chapman Tripp - PE 18 Jan - 16 Aug 2011
|Date 2011 |Invoice no |Chapman Tripp - Reason |Legal fees |
|18 Jan |215150 |Dispute defamation – TKI chair |$70,467.16 |
|08 Feb |215634 |Additional work TKH chair |$51,216.24 |
| |215635 |Standing committee |$3,450.00 |
| |215635-1 |Standing committee 2 |$8,323.77 |
|23 March |216579 |Standing committee 3 |$5,836.65 |
| |216579-2 |TKI chair report WIP |$32,143.03 |
|18 April |217377 |TKI chair report |$19,896.06 |
|03 August |218031 |TKI Chair costs |$8,163.46 |
|08 August |220615 |TKI chair |$5,101.16 |
|16 August |219804 |TKI chair |$6,862,98 |
| | | |$211,454.51 |
TRIENNIAL SPECIAL MEETING 12 FEB
TSM to elect members to TAA committee is to proceed on 12 Feb.
Tuku Morgan has filed an injunction to stop the TSM on 12 Feb. It will be heard in the Hamilton High Court on Wed 8 February.
Posted by Chris Webster at 3:04 PM
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High Court denies Morgans injunction application
On Friday (3 Feb) the High Court in Hamilton denied Te Arataura's [TAAs] injunction order to stop the induction day (4 Feb). Duffy J ruled induction day is to proceed as originally advertised.
Updated: evening Sat 4 February:
We have learned that despite a court ruling denying the injunction application the CE of the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust (Patsy McLean) in a futile effort locked the gates at Hopuhopu and the doors at the debating chambers to stop the advertised meeting from going ahead.
The response from representatives of over 30 marae? They arrived prepared with a locksmith. Their meeting proceeded, luncheon was served and only 3-or 4 soon-to-be-no longer TAA reps thumbed their nose at Morgan's edict they NOT attend & showed up. Citizen paki's mangai did not show.
BACKGROUND
Two weeks ago (24 Jan) T Morgan TAA chair issued a 2-page letter to members of TKI saying he had rescheduled two properly agreed meetings as prescribed by the 2011 Rules. TAAs reason? 'the date was not suitable'.
TAA (& without consulting TKI) arbitrarily rescheduled both the induction day (set down for 4 Feb 2012) & the triennial special meeting (set down for 12 Feb 2012).
TAA sought prevent the duly elected new members of TKI from receiving an induction package & to meet the candidates for TAA and rescheduled the meetings to 12 Feb & 26 Feb respectively.
Parallel to all this nonsense citizen Tuheitia Paki 'commanded' through the tribal rag - that NO-ONE was to attend the induction day on 26 Feb. He has lost credibility & will be ignored.
Last Wednesday Morgan & TAA sought to injunct the TKI chair & prevent tomorrow's induction day from proceeding.
Hamilton High Court Duffy J ruled that the induction day is to proceed tomorrow (4 Feb) at Hopuhopu at the advertised time & under the 2011 Rules.
Next Wed (8 Feb) Duffy J will consider TAAs second injunction application to stop the triennial special meeting from proceeding on 12 Feb.
Posted by Chris Webster at 2:56 PM
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Ani Merv Taylor
Feb 09, 2012 @ 16:27:46
No where in all these comments do I read where the crux of the whole problem lies. I LAY THIS AT THE FEET OF OUR KING.. His actions are dividing nga IwI o Waikato/Maniapoto
The ‘greatest shame’ is his disrespect for ‘te torona tapu o tana tupuna’.
NGA IWI O WAIKATO/MANIAPOTO there are many broken pieces, we must gather and nuture them and restore the the maana of our KINGITANGA.
11 Feb 2012 Leave a Comment
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Maori King, Te Arataura, Te Kauhanganui, Tuheitia Paki
Given that the Maori king has instructed many marae representatives to shun tomorrows Te Kauhanganui meeting, but those marae who do attend will cast their votes to elect a new executive committee.
The No-shows will try to sabotage the meeting, but as they won’t be at the meeting they lose their chance to vote. Its ridiculous.
And it’s a classic catch 22 situation.
The hypocrisy is compounded even further as the king’s representative Greg Miller demands to chair the meeting that the king is attempting to sabotage!
Our prediction is that there will be a full house for tomorrow’s election.
Secret report reveals $3m
Tainui lawyer bill
by Karla Akuhata
Tainui’s executive committee spent more than $3 million on lawyers during the last three years, according to a confidential auditors’ report.
The tribe’s parliament will meet tomorrow to elect a new executive committee, and the report put together by financial experts KPMG is likely to be on the minds of those voting.
The report was sent out last month to all 68 marae affiliated to the Tainui organisation, and leaked to the Waikato Times, but executive chairman Tukoroirangi Morgan is adamant the report contains “a number of discrepancies, misinformation and a lack of information”.
Mr Morgan said staff from Tainui Group Holdings’ financial team, which provides advice to the tribe, had been given a copy of the draft report but had requested more information and a right of reply.
“They haven’t seen the updated report,” Mr Morgan said.
“We are refuting it because the KPMG report is incomplete and we are challenging their report in relation to the statements that are being made. It still requires further information.”
The report, commissioned after the Tainui tribal parliament chairwoman Tania Martin said spending by the executive was out of control, investigated financial management, due diligence and decision-making from 2009 till 2011.
It highlights several issues, including the payment of $1million to bail a Tainui marae out of financial trouble, not seeking approval for over-budget expenditure, and spending $2,612,863 in consultancy fees.
“Findings from this review indicate the need to improve policies, processes and the control environment relating to financial management by Te Arataura. Instances of deviation from financial policies and procedures have occurred,” the report said.
“In addition, transactions have taken place without the guidance of policies and procedures, and these underpin some of the findings. Awareness of the Te Kauhanganui policies and procedures is required through ongoing training of staff of [the tribal parliament] Te Kauhanganui and [executive] Te Arataura.”
Transactions approved without any policy and procedure in place also included daily allowances paid to executive members, an increase in governance fees and the back-dating of such increases, $100,000 paid each to Mr Morgan and Raiha Mahuta for negotiating the Waikato River Settlement, and $10,000 given to executive member Rahui Papa when his house burned down.
Also noted was increasing the fees paid to executive members, with the total amount paid in board fees during the three-year period $1,853,211.
“Total honoraria and fees of governance across Te Arataura and Te Kauhanganui has exceeded the $900,000 per annum threshold for the 2010 and 2011 financial years.”
There were several instances of no meeting claims forms to support the payment of additional meeting fees.
The report also says the tribe had still not recouped some of the costs incurred by Helen Kotua, who accompanied Maori King Tuheitia and four others on a trip to New York in 2009 that had placed the tribe’s charitable tax status in jeopardy.
It also said that Mr Morgan’s company credit card limit was $10,000, even though the tribe’s policy said the limit should be $5000.
Mr Morgan is the only member with a company credit card.
A recommendation was made in the report to enhance the reporting requirements between Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura because the tribal parliament does not appear to be able to see how funds are used.
A second report is expected later that will cover the tribe’s governance, policy development and implementation, reporting and accountability
12 February 2012
Replacement is so bizarre: Henry van der Heyden v John Spencer
The marathon 15-hour electoral event that took place at Hopuhopu on Sunday not only included discussions - the entire focus was on REPLACEMENT of last term's members as their plaintive cries 'pick-me' bounced off the walls of the debating chamber.
It was a day that started badly with the TKI chair & citizen paki's mangai going head-to-head as to who was entitled to chair the meeting. In my view neither was as Rule 5.2.2 clearly states that current membership lapses the day before the TSM. That included the chair & citizen paki's choice. An thoroughly independent arbitor should have been engaged to manage this transition process.
Further the selection of the TKI chair & officers should have proceeded before that of TAA. Once the 2012-2015 chair was selected she/he could have then taken the chair & driven the meeting.
Two sets of lawyers were on-site situated in an office just next door to the debating chamber. There were numerous recess breaks. And lots of questions to the lawyers from the KA rep chair greg miller. What that cost the tribe is unimaginable & unknown.
A Hamilton barrister scrutineered the work of a qualified & experienced JP from Papakura.
Also present was a very senior public servant (regional director of Te Puni Kokiri's Auckland office (of Waikato descent) who had been 'invited by the kingitanga' to act as returning officer. What she got paid is also unknown.
No one on the other side knew about this 'invitation' or 'arrangement'. Neither the 2011 Rules nor the Standing Orders provide for the presence of an 'returning officer'.
Other games. All 34 candidates had certain period of time to sell their brand. Morgan's powerpoint presentation bragged of the much money he had spent & inferred that he would continue to spend the money without regard to mandate or permission, knowledge or authority from Te Kauhanganui.
No more. Your spending of OPM is unacceptable. That assumption is now at an end.
Other posturing: Morgan surrounded by his goons signed a 'joint management agreement' with Hamilton City Council. Te Kauhanganui members did not know of this. Morgan had no mandate to enter into this arrangement. It should be challenged & made void.
A large majority of Te Kauhanganui members were ignorant of this 'deal' - (well maybe a select few of the old te arataura were privy to this). We of course the long-suffering beneficiaries were the last to be told & it was through the local Hamilton rag.
REPLACEMENT BIZAARE:
John Spencer (who currently chairs Tainui Group Holdings Ltd) is to be replaced by Henry van der Heyden.
Apparently this 'arrangement' or 'invitation' was formalised when citizen paki postured & bludged off Fonterra's hospitality at Eden Park during the rugby world cup. A deal was struck.
On Sunday Morgan gloated about the relationship he has formed with Fonterra. At the same time he mentioned the Waikato River Authority puutea of $210m.
Thankfully that is to be paid each year & to a separate holding account - which requires a number of signatures. And he will never get his hands on it. Morgan will have to return the tribe's credit cards, the car, the toys, the keys, the files & provide a list of all the directorships where he has exchanged company information, declare his non-availability & withdraw from all other unknown company associations. He will also need to resign as a member from all the tribes's company's. Oh boo. Public outing - how wonderful.
Behind the scenes more tribal money was spent to satisfy citizen paki's demands - he has coveted a trucking company. Does this mean that citizen paki will return to his previous life as a truck-driver?
13 February 2012
CITIZEN PAKI seized control of te arataura
Radionz's Te Manu Korihi has tonight reported that citizen tuheitia paki has control of te arataura - PAKITAA.
This outrageous position was revealed by Hemi Rau who was interviewed by Te Manu Korihi. Read text & or listen to the audio via the above link.
Discussions on hold as Te Arataura chair not re-elected
High-powered discussions in Waikato-Tainui are on hold following tribal elections that saw Tukoroirangi Morgan fail to be re-elected as chair of the executive.
Martin 'remains Te Kauhanganui chair'
An iwi spokesperson says Tania Martin remains the chairperson of the Waikato-Tainui parliament, as long as an upcoming meeting on her marae confirms she's still a representative.
Plus a whole raft of different statements & interviews for your pleasure & edification & response
Tainui leader ousted from board
KARLA AKUHATA
Last updated 08:33 13/02/2012
[pic]
Waikato Times
TUKY MORGAN: Blamed for blowout in governance costs.
Controversial Tainui leader Tukoroirangi Morgan has failed to get back on the tribe’s new executive board.
However, there is still a chance he could make return with one position on the committee remaining unfilled.
Morgan, who was the chairman of Tainui's previous executive committee, has been under immense pressure with many in the tribe blaming him for a blow-out in governance costs.
Last night he failed to gain the necessary support to make it on to the tribe's new executive board at the elections held at the Hopuhopu yesterday.
The executive committee is selected by the tribe's parliament, which is a group of representatives from Tainui's 68 marae. The parliament uses a voting system where each candidate must gain 50 per cent of the vote before they can be admitted to the committee.
If the ten positions are not filled in the first round of voting then another vote is taken and the two candidates with least amount of support drop off, this continues until all spots on the committee are filled.
The executive committee is usually made up of 11 members with the parliament voting on 10 and Maori king Tuheitia selecting the 11th to represent him.
With nine positions filled by 8pm last night, Morgan was up against Huhana Marshall for the last spot. However, the parliament could not decide between the two with 30 voting in favour of Mr Morgan and 30 for Ms Marshall.
Another vote was held to try and break the deadlock, however the same result returned and it was decided to leave the position unfilled until a later stage.
The meeting had started at 9am and did not finish until after 9pm. It is unknown when the last position on the committee will be filled.
Meanwhile, the man who was dumped as Tainui's chief executive has been voted back on the executive committee.
Hemi Rau was fired as the chief executive of Tainui’s social arm in 2009 for alleging leaking information to the media but was voted on to the committee during the first round of voting.
The new board includes Mr Rau, former Tainui parliament chairman Tom Roa, Rukumoana Schaafhausen, Rahui Papa, Kingi Porima, Sonny Wilson, Tipa Mahuta, Mara Tukere, Paki Rawiri.
Tania Martin was returned as the chairwoman of the tribe’s parliament.
Tuku Morgan: Tribal board meeting 'unconstitutional'
By Yvonne Tahana
2:00 PM Friday Feb 17, 2012
[pic]
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Tuku Morgan. Photo / APN
Tainui politician Tuku Morgan says an incoming tribal board meeting for the first time today is unconstitutional until his own precarious position is sorted out.
After marathon elections last Sunday which lasted more than 12 hours, Mr Morgan and another tribal member Huhana Marshall failed to pass an electoral threshold at the tribe's parliament Te Kauhanganui.
If either had won they'd today be the 10th member of the iwi's 11 member executive board Te Arataura.
The 11th member is King Tuheitia's to appoint.
That board is scheduled to meet now at Hopuhopu.
However, in a statement Mr Morgan said the meeting is unconstitutional as a tribal rule states that Te Arataura consists of 11 members and he would go to court to enforce it.
"It does not say 'should be 11 members' or '11 members if possible', or '11 members except when it's late and TKN [Te Kauhanganui] reps want to go home."
Mr Morgan said that meant the old board - of which he is the chairman - remains in place until a special meeting is held in March.
"It is unfortunate that members of the new board appear to have been blinded by their ambition. Their haste to secure their prizes is unseemly and embarrassing. It hardly fills one with confidence that the divisions of the recent past will be healed."
The first point of business for the new board is to elect new leaders.
The Herald understands Hemi Rau, a former tribal executive fired for leaking information to the media, has been lobbying for the position with Tipa Mahuta - Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta's sister - as a co-chair.
It is unclear if the pair have the numbers.
Mr Rau said the meeting would go ahead.
"To be honest, people need to get over themselves. We were put there for a purpose...we need to move forward together as Te Arataura."
He would not be drawn on whether he wanted the top job saying it was a decision for the board.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
Morgan fighting to keep hold
KARLA AKUHATA
Last updated 14:00 17/02/2012
The man who was dumped as Tainui’s chairman is desperately fighting to keep hold of the reigns.
Tukoroirangi Morgan has called a press conference today to outline his concerns about a proposed meeting of Tainui’s executive committee, Te Arataura, which is being held today.
In press release sent out today Mr Morgan said a proposed meeting of nine Te Arataura members elected last Sunday, to be held today, was outside the rules and any decision it makes in the absence of a 10th elected member will be null and void.
"I find it concerning that people who only a few days ago were elected on platforms of accountability and upholding the integrity of the tribal parliament are now willing to trample over the Rules of the very House they were elected from,” Mr Morgan said.
The newly elected committee are meeting today and it is expected they will decide on who will lead Te Arataura, but Mr Morgan said until the last member was elected the previous board remained in control of the tribe and he was therefore still the chairman.
He was the chairman of Tainui’s previous executive committee but failed to make it on to the new board at the tribe’s election last week.Mr Morgan said based on legal advice he believed the tribe’s rules were clear on the matter.
"The critical provision is Rule 15.1.1, "Appointment of members”. It states, in black and white: Te Arataura shall consist of 11 members:
(a) 10 of the members shall be elected by a majority of the Total Marae Votes, provided that a Marae may not be represented by more than one member of Te Arataura at any time; and
(b) one member shall be the person appointed for the purpose from time to time by the Head of the Kaahui Ariki pursuant to Rule 5.4.5.
"The intent of this Rule is made crystal clear by the use of the word ‘shall’.
"It does not say 'should be 11 members’ or ’11 members if possible’, or ’11 members except when it’s late and TKN reps want to go home’," said Mr Morgan.
"It requires that to be constituted Te Arataura must have eleven members – no more, no less. Until that happens the old board remains in place.”
Mr Morgan is calling for a Triennial Special Meeting to be held so the tribe can elect the tenth member of Te Arataura to be held at the end of March.
"That must occur before any newly elected members can meet as Te Arataura. It is unfortunate that members of the new board appear to have been blinded by their ambition. Their haste to secure their prizes is unseemly and embarrassing. It hardly fills one with confidence that the divisions of the recent past will be healed.
"If I have to defend the integrity of our Rules and stand up for due process to be followed by way of the Courts, then I am determined to do that.”
"In calling their meeting for Friday, the new members, and indeed the Kaahui Ariki representative, appear to be mistakenly relying on a clause that provides for Te Arataura to fill a vacant position via an appointment.
"But that applies only when a member of Te Arataura is disqualified under Rule 15.4.1. Te Arataura can then fill, by invitation, the vacant space.
"As the new Te Arataura cannot assume the powers delegated to it by Te Kauhanganui until 10 members have been elected at an AGM, this clause cannot be used to fill the 10th space. That can only be done via elections.”
20 February 2012
Citizen Paki seized control of TAA - how & why?
Hemi Rau told RadioNZ that citizen Paki has seized control of TAA. Hemi also said 'TAA is in limbo' & that 'Paki's rep is managing TAA'.
We ask WTF is this?
Let us remember the role & status of tuheitia paki. He is a resident of Huntly. He is a citizen of New Zealand. He is a member of the Waikato tribe & the Tainui waka. His role as 'maori king tuheitia' is a ceremonial one.
Apart from that citizen paki has no legal rights, nor rights of veto, or legislative power to confer, or thwart or prevent, or stay or to interfere with the democratic process of elections.
Nor has he any legal ability or color of right under law to 'take' or 'seize' control of any of Te Kauhanganui's operations, land & financial resources & that extends to the executive committee Te Arataura.
He has only legislative authority relating to the position he holds as custodian trustee - but that power is not absolute - & he is estopped from doing anything with the tribal lands & other resources UNLESS the people provide him with a vote in favor of such activity.
And unless we have been living off the planet since his 'donging' no such motion has been put to or a vote sought from the people to allow him to do anything more than what is prescribed. He is a name on a piece of paper & that is all.
24 Feb King takes 400 entourage to Maniapoto leaves before kai 400 empty seats food left over this is a big insult
New Chairman for Te Arataura
24 Feb 2012 4 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Parekawhia McLean, Te Arataura, Tom Roa, Tuku Morgan
It seems that Tom Roa has been named as the new Te Arataura chairman. Lets see if he can restore some trust and honor to the executive committee, components that have been sadly lacking for years.
Tuku and Patsy won’t agree with that decision!
25 Feb. Update: We’ve since learned that Tom has been named as the INTERIM chairman for the time being.
MAUREA POUKAI: small talk & revelations
The chit-chat from Maurea poukai is drifting into the kumara vines like the fog around the ex-committee chair's motives. Despite it being eligible Maurea failed to gain funding-in-support to match its 2011 grant of $24,530 & it was not uplifted.
Why is uncertain. Marae are now cautious of accepting grants knowing that some marae have had 'improper strings' attached. The trustees may have made a very good decision not to proceed as they knew or felt the money would not be used for its proper purposes. It could have been 'gifted' or 'donated' or 'koha'ed' into that well-known bottom-less kete of broken promises.
There was a good crowd. The band arrived & as usual was out-of-step & played off-key. Literally. Lots of mall talk in groups & furtive positioning. Little eye contact. The TKI secretariat was present. Big Ups.
Tom Roa told the hui committee fees have been slashed to one payment. But the amount or quantum was not mentioned. All legal action has been set aside. Small murmurings of approval.
But this was interrupted by verbal nonsense & artificial pompous grandstanding from citizen Paki's companions. When will they ever learn?
Then he spoiled it all by announcing his 'new board'. Tsk. Tsk.
Tom. TAA is a committee. See Rule 4. You really do need to read the Rules under Te Arataura.
BODY POLITX 101
A course of action for this forthcoming period is for the TKI chair & TAA chair & their companions to assiduously apply George Santayana's philosophy - who forecasts doom & unhappiness to those who fail to learn from the mistakes of the past.
That means question everything. Do not allow policy decisions to be made arbitrarily by a quorum of 6 (TAA) or any less than 33 marae (TKI).
STOP THE EXTRAVAGANT RECKLESS UNAUTHORISED SPENDING
Waikato certainly do not want any more train-wreck decisions & reckless spending & extravagance & sloth behavior to be repeated.
OH & SO UNWELCOME
OH & so unwelcome - the only person in Waikato that thinks he is the prime minister, the only person in Waikato who thinks he is capable of saving us all from the perils of democracy & advance.
The ex-committee chair swanned out onto the paepae. The one who thinks he is the PM stands & blurts out an 'apology'.
Yes he actually used the word 'apologise'.
But wait for the shocker: 'I apologise for not blooding a replacement chairman'.
Stunned mullet reaction! 1. he used the word 'apologise'. 2. he thinks he was asked to 'blood' a replacement chairman'. 3. What?
Then 2 days later on the radio this morning was the person who thinks he is the PM - shouting from west Auckland - insisting he is still the chairman of the 'board' & that he will call the executive together to finish the work he started & to do the important work that is incomplete.'
Well - yes - um ah well. Actually after all this time. He has still not remembered it is a committee.
Well um ah yes - well actually .... the person who thinks he is the PM simply did not get the 33 votes to be on the committee for the next 3 years. He failed. Simply bloody marvelous!
And we ain't making any apology for wanting to recover financially from the legacy left by the desperate apologist!
The 'board' & 'chair' are ready for pickup: erakablog.
Posted by Chris Webster at 8:55 PM
Some things need to be said…
03 Mar 2012 5 Comments
by Tainui on the Web. Eraka's Blog in Charles Joe, Maxine Moana Tuwhangai, Parekawhia McLean, Patience Te Ao, Rahui Papa, Rukumoana Schaafhausen, Te Arataura, Tuku Morgan, Uncategorized Tags: tainui rip off
True leadership must be for the benefit of the whole tribe, not for the enrichment of a few.
• Maori king, $2 million per year for his ‘charity’…
• Tuku Morgan 2011, $400k plus five star perks and travel…
• Te Arataura 2011, millions over budget and excessive troughing of the tribal funds.
• Chapmann Tripp, $3 million over the last three years.
We ask ‘Has the situation changed for the ordinary people of this tribe?’. As you all know, the answer is NO. Things are bad, and they’re about to get WORSE!
king’s endorsement as she attempts to take over as the chair of Te Arataura at an upcoming vote. Apparently she reckons that she can deliver a guaranteed voting bloc of herself, Rahui Papa, Shaafhoussen, and Miller on any issue that the king wants (means money!) This lot are also working hard on getting Tuku back into Te Arataura. Its been reported that Mahuta enjoys getting high with her mates on marijuana daily, but why anyone would want a dopehead as their chairperson is anybody’s guess. The madness never ceases.
ear to have a conscience. Now that is got to be a real worry.
1995 SETTLEMENT - FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PEOPLE
The 1995 Settlement is intended for the people whose families suffered raupatu in the 1860s. Tawhiao did not leave a legacy for one family to benefit. His desire was for Waikato people to create a self-sufficient economic base, supported by the strength & stability of the people.
NOT FOR INDIVIDUALS OR HANGERS-ON
The 1995 Settlement is not for individuals or individuals & their families and hangers-on. And certainly not for a johnny-come-lately, previously a truck-driver & cultural adviser, TUHEITIA PAKI - TMPAKI who on 26 August 2006 was announced as the successor to his mother the late Dame Te Atairangikahu.
WHAT TAWHIAO WANTED FOR HIS PEOPLE
But the real story began 128 years ago when Tawhiao & his supporters went to England to petition Queen Victoria. He wanted her to approve a Maori parliament & to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the confiscations of Waikato land.
KINGITANGA MOVEMENT DISMISSED
Tawhiao in his petition stressed that kingitanga movement was not separatist. He believed the movement would unify Maori, receive the queen's protection & that the movement and the House of Windsor could peacefully exist. His petition was referred back to the NZ government which dismissed it..
TE KAUHANGANUI
Tawhiao continued to help Maori citizens petition the government & established the Maori parliament - Te Kauhanganui.
LEGACY SELF-SUFFICIENT ECONOMIC BASE FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE PEOPLE
On 26 August 1894 Tawhiao died at Parawera and was buried at Taupiri. He left a legacy of religious (which is not certain) from which his people would draw a future dream for Tainui: the rebirth of a self-sufficient economic base, supported by the strength & stability of the people.
WHAT HAS GONE WRONG?
Tuheitia Paki's mother managed an annual gratuity of $250,000.00.
Why during 2009-2011 did one family 'receive' or was 'given' (probably demanded) an average 28 per cent of the tribal purse?
How much less is that for the 65,900 people? Why is it that they do not benefit from the settlement as intended by the legislation?
URURANGI (UN) -CHARITABLE TRUST
Why does Tuheitia Paki create a charitable trust for himself & his family? Why is his name not on the documents? Why does he hide behind a legal firm? Why are his accounts not opened for inspection? What is the real reason Tuheitia Paki is hiding the monies he receives from the tribe's coffers?
OFFICE OF THE KINGITANGA? OUT-OF-SCOPE? Why?
Why was the 'Office of the Kiingitanga' considered 'Out of Scope' of the financial review? This is the information that was uncovered.
| |
|Why not? Why does Tuheitia Paki have so much greed? The money he gets belongs to the people? The settlement is 'for the benefit |
|of the people of Waikato'. |
| |
|Money for jam! Why & what for? His costs are increasing - benefits are non existent. | | | | | | | |
A COMPLIANT & OBEDIENT TAA, TGH & WRLT
Tuheitia Paki is wishing real hard for a compliant & obedient TAA and TGH. He wants people that will not deny his demands. He has proven his ability. He has proven his role is purely ceremonial & thinks he should be given millions to support his fanciful ideas. He is not a monarch. Nor is he of a 'royal' family. Neither are his sons 'princes'. The illusions of grandeur are laughable. He has also proven he has no shame.
There are people inside TAA & TGH & WRLT that have the knowledge of the demands for money. Why are they staying silent? What is it that people feel obligated to keep secret? Are they afraid of what will happen? Might they lose their jobs & all those cosy perks? Are they ashamed they have endorsed this madness?
Probably. You are in good company.
That is the only 'charitable' aspect of Tuheitia Paki - he shares the fact that he has no shame.
But we the people suffer the ignominy of it all.
There is only ONE RESPONSIBILITY. And that is to concentrate on reducing TGHs dependency on bank debt & not increasing his personal position or wealth.
The 2011 Annual Report is sober reading: SAD2011AR
TGH ANNUAL REPORT 2011
In 2010 a $50 million debt facility with BNZ was signed increasing total lending
facilities to $200 million (p9:84).
Note 20 INTEREST BEARING LIABILITIES - one must read the notes for details
WESTPAC CREDIT LINE $50m
The Company holds a multi option credit line facility agreement with Westpac New Zealand Limited for $50m (2010: $38m) which matures on 15 March 2014. Borrowings of $22.7m of the available facility had been drawn at balance date (2010: $18.5m).
WESTPAC LOAN $22m
The Company holds a Wholesale Term Loan Facility with Westpac New Zealand Limited for $22m (2010: $22m) which matures on 2 December 2011. Borrowings of $22m had been drawn at balance date (2010: nil).
In accordance with the facility variation agreement dated 15 March 2011, $12m of the borrowed funds will be re-financed through the multi option credit line facility at the next interest rate roll over. This will leave the Wholesale Term Loan Facility with a limit of $10m and fully drawn.
WESTPAC LOAN $40 M
The Company holds a term loan with Westpac New Zealand Limited for $40m (2010: $40m) which matures on 26 July 2012 and is fully drawn at balance date (2010: $40m).
BANK $50M CASH ADVANCE DEBT A
The Company holds a Committed Cash Advances Facility Tranche A Agreement with the Bank of New Zealand for $50m (2010: $50m) which matures on 9 April 2011. This facility had been fully drawn at balance date (2010: $29.2m).
BNZ $50m CASH ADVANCES DEBT B
The Company holds a Committed Cash Advances Facility Tranche B Agreement with the Bank of New Zealand for $50m (2010: nil) which matures on 17 November 2012. Borrowings of $34.7m of the available facility had been drawn at balance date (2010 - nil).
BNZ & WESTPAC BANKS HAVE A CHARGE OVER OUR / THESE ASSETS
The Company and guaranteeing subsidiaries (Tainui Corporation Limited, Tainui Development Limited, TGH No.1 Limited, Raukura Moana Seafoods Limited, The Base Limited and Te Rapa 2002 Limited) have granted to Westpac New Zealand Limited and Bank of New Zealand a charge in and over all present and future assets and present and future rights and interest in any asset as security for the finance facilities.
ASB BANK CASH ADVANCE $32.5m
Tainui Auckland Airport Hotel holds a Committed Cash Advance Facility with ASB Bank Limited for $32.5m (2010: $32.5m) which matures 22 January 2013. Borrowings of $17.3m of the available facility had been drawn at balance date (2010: nil).
Note 23.2 CAPITAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Gearing Ratio
| |
|Gearing ratio (p74:84) |
'Further TGH reported as at 31 March 2011 the total value of TGH’s assets was $658 million, a rise of $129 million from last year’s $529 million. And that total assets grew by 24% during 2011 to $658 million (p14:84).
Yes but. The collective debt that exists must be deducted at the bottom line.
MARCH 2012 $250m IN DEBT (p24:84)
TGH forecasts by March 2012 debt levels are expected to be $250 million.
| |
|TGH Annual Report p25:84 |
Note 25 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES AND GAINS (p75:84)
The Parent and Group had contingent liabilities at 31 March 2011 in respect of:
Tainui Group Holdings Ltd & guaranteeing subsidiaries (Tainui Corp Ltd, Tainui Development Ltd, TGH No.1 Limited, Raukura Moana Seafoods Ltd, The Base Ltd & Te Rapa 2002 Ltd) have granted to Westpac New Zealand Limited & the Bank of New Zealand a charge in & over all present & future assets & present & future rights & interest in any asset as security for the finance facilities (see note 20).
The Shareholder (TKI) has first priority security of $15m over the present & future undertakings, property, assets, revenues & capital of Raukura Moana Seafoods Ltd, Tainui Corp Ltd, Tainui Development Ltd & Tainui Group Holdings Ltd. Each company jointly & severally, unconditionally & irrevocably guarantees to the Shareholder all secured monies.
BNZ FIRST MORTGAGE
The Bank of New Zealand currently holds a registered first mortgage over property situated at Huntington/Gordonton Road, Hamilton. This property is part of the joint venture Callum Brae Tainui (see note 12).
ASB BANK FIRST & EXCLUSIVE SECURITY of TAINUI HOTELS
The ASB Bank has a first and exclusive security over the assets and undertakings of Tainui Auckland Airport LP and Tainui Auckland Airport Hotel GP Limited.
The Directors believe that the expectation of a liability arising due to the guarantees and mortgages in place is remote. (There's a recession on boys).
EASY WAYS TO GET INTO DEBT?
What will Mike Pohio contribute to the BNZ program? Is he being brought to show companies how to get into debt and borrow lots of money from the BNZ?
HARD TALK
What exactly are we worth? Is the figure being promoted by Pohio gross debt inclusive or what? And if we owe so much money to these three banks what exactly is our current financial position?
29 April 2012
Kingitanga claim unsustainable ...
Last evening Maori Television (an excellent operation) ran two half-hour (Waikato-a-Iwi) clips & yep you guessed it - both included references to 'kingitanga'.
The voice-overs were sickening to listen to. Thank goodness for sub-titles in English.
But it was the stuff that fell out of Rahui Papa's mouth while he frequently rolled his eyes to the ceiling lending little to his credibility.
Papa claimed that 'kingitanga' lands were lost after the evil colonial troops crossed the stream at Mangatawhiri.
ACCURACY IS VITAL
The New Zealand Settlements Bill 1863 preamble noted that the North Island had ‘been subject to insurrections amongst the evil-disposed persons of the Native race to the great injury alarm & intimidation of Her Majesty's peaceable subjects of both races & involving great losses of life & expenditure of money in their suppression.
'KINGITANGA LANDS'
In 1858 the kingitanga was formed & some hapu (it has never been reported which hapu did this) placed their lands 'under the mana of King Potatau' as a guarantee against sale. Did that placing automatically make it 'kingtanga lands'?
Papa asserted that these 'kingitanga lands' were confiscated.
The 1863 Bill did not identify or refer to 'kingitanga' - instead the Bill identified or referred to 'evil-disposed persons of the Native race'.
Ipso facto 'persons' were identified as the owners & occupiers of the lands being viewed for seizure & not the 'kingitanga movement'.
And if 'kingtanga lands' were indeed 'seized' it is telling that the Sim Commission report which lists the 33 hapu from whom lands were 'seized' (the 1863 Act did not use the word 'confiscation') no hapu named 'ngati kingitanga' was identified & or included.
1995 DEED OF SETTLEMENT
The restitution provided for in DOS is to be for the benefit of all Waikato collectively & not for the benefit of any individual, single marae or single hapu & more importantly 'kingtanga'.
39,000 ACRES OF LAND
To repeat the 1995 Settlement Act provided for the transfer of 39,000 acres of land from the Crown to Waikato. That land was to be held by a land-holding trust - for the benefit of the members of the 33 hapu. 'Ngati kingitanga' is not referred to or listed.
HOW MUCH LAND IS LEFT?
The lands are held under the 'Pootatau Te Wherowhero' title. Currently there is one custodian trustee - citizen Tuheitia Paki. Now he is not able to sell, or mortgage or lease or do anything with any of the land that is held under this 'title' UNLESS he gets permission from the people.
It is not known what quantity, location or quality of land is held under this title. It is also not known what quantity & location of land has been disposed of by means other than what is required.
It is like the amount of money in the bank. How much is left? What is the size of our debt? How many more 'notes' have been taken out by the banks against our lands?
The answers to these questions will never be answered. And you got to ask why not. How much more money will this mythical 'kingitanga movement' swallow up before being brought to its knees?
1995 DEED OF SETTLEMENT
The restitution provided for in DOS is to be for the benefit of all Waikato collectively & not for the benefit of any individual, single marae or single hapu & more importantly 'kingtanga'.
And the claim that 'kingitanga' has sustained the people is a very long bow to draw given that 'kingitanga' received land by some (but not all) land owners resulted in 1,2million acres of everyone's land being confiscated. That pleading is unsustainable & unrealistic.
Posted by Chris Webster at 12:06 AM
19 May 2012
fantasy & pretence & hypocrisy ...
the pretence that the sub-committee is a 'board' continues ...
the pretence that tom roa is a 'leader' also continues
the pretence that 'tom roa is 'leader of the tainui executive board' also continues
the claim by tuheitia paki that he writes his own statements is laughable ...
the action of tuheitia paki to 'appoint' tom moana - a convicted fraudster - to 'lead' nga marae toopu - has shredded & destroyed their credibility ...
the determination of the sub-committee to undermine te kauhanganui continues ... their selfish plotting & vindictive scheming is drifting out like the fog .. obscuring and denial is its objective ...
the recent claim of patsy mclean that she was 'assaulted' by someone is pure fantasy ...
the contradictory position of the sub-committee which fought tooth-and-nail to keep secret its payments to previous members .. are finally disclosed in the long-overdue 2010 waikato lands trust annual report ... figures which Tuku Morgan claimed were 'incorrect' ...
YET ...
rahui papa still owes the 10 grand he was given &
helen kotua still owes 17 grand for her trip to new york which was charged against the tribal purse ...
YET ...
those whanau who are on strike @ horotiu remain without support or food or care packages ... this is s worthy cause & easily taken care of .. money is given to Paki family & their hangers-on for no reason
the basis for these so-called charitable grants-hand-outs proves the continuing hypocrisy & doubt & fantasy-land living ...
Posted by Chris Webster at 4:50 PM
23 May 2012
HYGM: TAA in contempt of 2008 court decision ...
Saturday's half yearly general meeting (HYGM) agenda contains a whole slew of demands for TKI to decide. TKI & TAA have both produced reports.
HIIONA MARAE
For some reason Hiiona marae business is attached as part of TAA report. What is this? This is not the business of TKI or TAA or WRLT or anyone else. It is a marae issue which must be dealt with by them.
No one can dictate how & when & who is selected. Hiiona marae committee did properly select its representatives for 2012-2015.
Though Tom Roa states it is an internal matter why & for what purpose did he distribute this correspondence from Hiiona Marae. And at whose bidding?
TKI CHAIR HYGM AGENDA & REPORT
Chair Cover letter
Administration:
• Minutes of 2011 HYGM
Reports:
• Officers of TKI Report Feb-May 2012
• House Plan & Budget
• Role description of TKI Officers
• TKI representative meetings
• TKI standing committees
• TAA committee Feb-April 2012 report.
General Business:
• Waiohua Collective
• Nga Tai o te Uru Collective
• Rangimarie te Horanganui
• Rangimarie Te Kohanga Reo.
Editors Comments:
2011 HYGM minutes:
a) Tuheitia Paki claimed 'of those selfish individual ambitions' dominate the house for some time.'
He would know given that he demonstrates selfish ambitions each & every day.
b) He also claimed Tawhiao was sent into exile in the King Country ... - done by pakeha at the time...
Tuheitia Paki claimed: that is what is happening to him by his own people at this time...' he can return to TKI in person as a proud & contributing member of the tribe as its legitimate leader ...'
Ah no Tawhiao went to King Country willingly. Citizen Paki has to humble himself, admit he has been greedy & apologise to those people he swore at & stop his ambitious & relentless spending of the tribal money which is intended for the benefit of all Waikato people - not just him & his slothful family members & their hangers-on.
TAA Committee report for 2012-2015.
• Strategic priorities
• Decision making principles
Editors Comments:
TAA claims these form the basis for all decisions including the appointment of members to committees.
• TKI are being asked to approve a one-off grant of $900k (incl GST) to settle all outstanding re-construction costs of Mahinarangi & Turongo House. External funding applications were not successful as the rebuilds did not meet the criteria - but Te Puni Kokiri kicked in $359k of taxpayer’s money.
• In 2010 TAA resolved to underwrite (without knowledge & permission of TKI) the rebuild to the value of $1,946.000.00.
• Since then millions of dollars have been paid to Tuheitia Paki's office for his personal use. Why can money not already paid to him be applied to these projects?
• Why does he need all those cars? He has a new house in Old Taupiri Rd? How much money will the Pukawa Bay property cost the tribe?
• How many more houses does this person require? How much money will he demand for the repairs & upgrade house on The Terrace?
• When will these demands for money ever stop?
A GOLDEN RULE for FINANCIAL PROBLEMS
Where liabilities exceed income = insolvency.
Using weasel words like 'costs marginally exceed' the income generated is denying the reality of the situation.
2009 DIRECTORS FEES REPORT ON REMUNERATION
This report describes TAA members as 'trustees' of a 'board' & 'board members' & 'board expenses & fees'. How ridiculous.
The Rules clearly state TAA is a committee of TKI. The report recommended a simplified fee structure: $25,000 for each TAA member, deputy & secretary $31,250 & the chair $50,000.
Further the report's authors aligned the fee structure for people who were qualified in governance, risk analysis, budget preparation & whose skills would have included success as directors.
Quite simply 99% of TAA members (so-called 'trustees' of the 'board') are NOT skilled or hold any specific skills & experience to be sitting at any external committee or company board table. Many cannot read a budget or balance sheet.
EDITOR: QUESTION KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES FY 2012-2013
Financial:
• Negative variances are set at +/- $100k. Given the abuse by TAA members & irresponsible decisions by CEO of WRLT this amount should be reduced to $+/- $25k;
• Delegated authority: who, what level & why register is required;
• Create a register on conflicts of interest;
• Overspends must not occur at all & must be reported & not set-off;
• Otherwise we end up with more liabilities than assets.
Governance:
• Operate in accordance with roles & responsibilities of TAA as approved by TKI;
• SLA to resolve internal disputes is welcomed.
Stakeholder relationships:
• Must improve working relationship with TKI members & officers.
• Be transparent & honest;
• Must meet obligations of 2011 Rules'
• Chair TAA has no power of veto or power of control over marae & hapu unless he deals with issues TAA creates for hapu & marae;
• Chair TAA has no mandate to engage on any basis with external stakeholders. He is chair of a committee. TAA has no power of veto or any power to dictate to or to control or to limit or to direct hapu & marae members to do anything they are entitled to do as citizens & ratepayers & landowners.
Key initiatives:
• Waikato-Tainui iwi environmental plan must not be the default option. Hapu & marae have the democratic right to pursue & achieve their own goals & should not be delegated to secondary position beneath the proposed 2012 IMP;
• TAA has no power or authority to develop, enter or implement into any further JMA. TAA is removing the rights of citizens, land-owners, hapu & marae to enter & develop stakeholder relationships directly with local government authorities & other agencies;
• Native nurseries plan must be approved by TKI & it must not impact upon plans already developed by hapu & marae;
• Taupiri Maunga restoration & budget / funding plan must be approved by TKI;
• Claims: These are managed well by the respective hapu & marae;
• Whanau Ora centre partnership costs & funding must be approved by TKI & not just TAA;
• Tribal register: How safe & confidential are the details held by WRLT?
• Employment & training plans must be approved by TKI;
• Education: Prevent the continuing financial losses at the EC. It has been a white elephant since inception.
• Waikato people know their tikanga & history. They do not need a convicted fraudster to 'educate' them.
• Iwi Saver fund: This is unrealistic given the poor stewardship & excesses spending of the tribe's funds.
COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS & Fees
A table is set out showing the name of the organisation, meeting frequency, recommended member & remuneration. These appointments must be approved by TKI.
EDITOR: COMMENTS on NEW PRINCIPAL NEGOTIATOR APPOINTMENT
TAA argues that momentum, relationships of confidence & trust not be lost. Yet it was its previous membership was the driving reason for those impasses.
• The vitriolic nature of persecution against the TKI Chair was extreme & intentional. The reckless spending of tribal money & denial by TAA members all lead to Waikato being in conflict & under tension. Those two elements remain as does the mistrust.
• Putting icing on a badly baked cake is a poor disguise & does not change the flavour of a badly baked product. Similarly trying to make a silk purse from a sow's ear will not work either.
• The principal negotiator is not a role for the faint-hearted but above all else she/he must have the people's benefits at heart at the foremost & not place the kingitanga in the driver's seat.
• What does the kingitanga do for any one of us? It has cost us millions & for little return. The current phony pony show is an embarrassment & a burden.
• The Kingitanga was the reason why our lands were confiscated last century. Not just those lands some hapu 'gave' or 'placed under the mana of the Kingitanga', but 1.26 million acres of land were taken under raupatu. And that is what is celebrated? Why are we celebrating such losses?
• The kingitanga is promoted by zealots as 'sustaining the people'. What nonsense. It is the people who have 'expensively sustained' the kingitanga. Why is it that the present kingitanga person believes & acts as though he is better than anyone else? He is not. He has proved he is mortal by his own actions. He is without conscience.
• The 'principal of unity' is rolled out when it suits 'kingitanga'. My family's lands were taken under raupatu because of the 'kingitanga'. There is no unity today because of 'kingitanga'.
• Tribal confidence will not be restored while different standards are practiced openly & where submission without protest to the kingitanga on every front exists?
• Putting a show-pony in front of the workhorses will not be a significant step.
• Unless that person is truly independent of the kingitanga & not a member of TAA.
• She/he cannot be appointed unless the entire people (61,000 members) are involved with the appointment process. This appointment is too important matter to be left to TKI & it should not be automatically assigned to TAA chair as is the present position.
• It is agreed that engagement & negotiation with the crown & other tribal bodies that warrant the leadership & focus by a person who is expressly tasks to advance these matters.
• The negotiator cannot & must not be empowered to make arbitrary decisions (such as committing Waikato to the Iwi leader’s forum).
• How that decision be considered to be in the best interests of the people when it was made behind closed doors & without a mandate.
• Te negotiator must report directly to Te Kauhanganui which is the principal governance authority & not to TAA (which is just a committee that keeps going beyond its brief & capabilities & neither is she/he to report to Nga Marae Toopu - which citizen Paki is hoping to use as a vehicle to seize control of the tribal estate).
• How TOM ROA was decided as Interim Negotiator is unknown. Yet again - TAA is making arbitrary decisions. And they wonder why a high level of distrust exists among the people? Look in the mirror - people!
The appointment process
• This must be managed independent of Te Arataura & citizen Paki's rep.
• A selection group comprising TKI chair & 2 TKI members; TAA chair & one TAA member; & 2 external tribal members (who are not members, kaumatua or tribal staff or hold any committee or board appointment) to consider the applications.
• The issues with the Tamaki Makarau arose because of the previous negotiators behaviour. He created the mistrust & the discordance & has left a bitter legacy.
• There was to be no benefit to the hapu that suffered. The same applies to the West Coast Harbours whose claim was lodged & has been managed successfully since. Both hapu refused to provide a mandate to Tuku Morgan.
• The crown also refused to accept his claim as it required a mandate be freshly secured on an annual basis. T Morgan was unsuccessful in obtaining that confidence from both hapu.
• The prejudice remains on the table. It will not be removed by the continuing arbitrary decision-making culture that exists within Te Arataura.
NO MORE RUBBER-STAMPING
ON Saturday TKI must not rubber-stamp any further arbitrary decisions of Te Arataura. Not one person who is a current TAA member would meet all 17 criteria listed for the ideal negotiator.
GROUP RESTRUCTURING - in contempt of 2008 High Court order
• TAA keeps proving it cannot be trusted.
• It continues to make arbitrary decisions without the knowledge or permission of Te Kauhanganui.
• Inside its report is a chart showing how TAA wants to re-organise TKI & its committees, companies & associated entities.
• This restructuring is part of the plan that was made void & invalid by the High Court & which is being rolled out under the watch of 'Tom Roa. Yes the very same person who took the appeal to the court & won.
• The restructuring plan was placed before TKI in January 2009 & was defeated. Why is it being rolled out? What is going on?
• TAA are in contempt of the 2008 High Court decision & order & bringing TKI into disrepute by its actions.
EXCEPT it has added URURANGI Ltd & shows it is to have a GM & CE & to be 100 % funded by TKI. And that another organisation called WAIKATO-TAINUI TRIBAL AUTHORITY is to be a limited partner; WAIKATO RAUPATU TRUSTEE Co Ltd (consisting of 2009 TAA members) is to be LIQUIDATED.
TAA REPORT states in part:
• Conflict & tension within the tribe at a political level;
• tribal confidence needs to be re-established & enhanced;
• Relationships of confidence & trust must be established & maintained
• TAA has certainly got some work to do & being in contempt of a High Court order does not auger well for its future.
CONCLUSION:
• The decisions of Saturday’s meeting will be a make-or-break for some people their hapu & marae. Why?
• The tentacles of TAA & WRLT control & dominance are being resisted throughout the motu. People throughout are angry at the 'we're in charge' mantra of the puppets at the lands trust.
• People are angry that 2009-2012 TAA members will not be punished for the irresponsible & reckless behaviour & spending of the tribal moneys.
• People are angry at the amount of money being given to citizen Paki & his hangers-on.
• People are angry at the 'we're more important that you'attitude exhibited by TAA members.
• People are angry that 'jobs for the boys' & that members of families are given work & jobs because of those connections. Nepotism & corruption is alive & well & living within TAA & WRLT.
• People are angry because the more things change the more those things remain.
Posted by Chris Webster at 9:57 PM
09 July 2012
Greg Miller We will take control ...
On Sunday Waahi Pa generously opened its doors & welcomed the people & put on a nourishing lunch & tea & coffee & cookies. Thank you Waahi Pa.
Waahi Pa people rightfully opened & declared that no business of any other marae would be conducted at Waahi Pa.
The hui had been arranged by the committee which had stated in its panui the agenda items would be Hiiona Marae & Governance.
It became obvious that the committee had jumped the gun & presumed it had the right to dictate to a marae as to the agenda of a meeting. This is becoming a habit!
Waahi Pa representatives were also annoyed that outsiders would be facilitating the meeting. Waahi Pa members asked Tom Moana why he was doing it & he replied the committee had asked him & Tania Simpson to facilitate it (& their efforts to keep matters 'on-track' are acknowledged).
Oops ... Waahi Pa people were not consulted on this matter either.
There was huge annoyance expressed at the committee for sending out a panui of an agenda & many people spoke out about the confusion. Many left. Only about 300 people came to Waahi Pa. This out of 66,000+ tribal members @ costed $30,000.00 buckeroos of our money.
Pot pourri pearlers & platitudes from the floor:
Committee claims 'it is hamstrung' - 'it cannot get on & do the business,'
greg miller: 'we want to take control & drive the iwi forward,' (comments as unwelcome as a cup of cold porridge);
charles joe (who has now resigned as TKI rep) blamed TKI chair for the trouble he & his committee mates caused last term; 'we can suspend the constitution (ah we do not have one)'; 'we must change the Rules', there is a process of compromises - no benefit going to court (excuse us after the 14-legal actions he endorsed in 2011)? wants new Rules, invited citizen Paki to select a commissioner (no legal ability for Tuheitia Paki to do so exists); complained of ad hoc changes to Rules, called current impasse dogs of two heads always at loggerheads. Claimed he has no faith in governance to run tribe'.
kingi porima: 13-year veteran; described 'te arataura' as 'a frayed rope';
hori awa: 'puutea (settlement) drives the thirst for power';
hu marshall: 'rules currently under review, proper place, governance & constitutional standing committees set-up. let us do that work. TAA calls us 'dishonest' why?; TAA need to respect marae & people; mana lies with people not with committee, put questions to committee challenging its presumed right to interfere with election proceses of marae; sought confirmation - committee refused to respond.
maxine tuwhangai-moana: TAA frustrated not able to do anything; not able to act; problem rules not allow TAA more authority it seeks; Marae will seek to reactivate the discontinued legal action of last year to have 2011 Rule changes examined; no TKI money used - TKI rep is lawyer;
TKI chairs: 'Need for recognising work that is underway within via the standing committees. TAA & TKI processes can be harmonised. What needs to change is the people. Rules uphold mana of marae.
IN 2008 the High Court determined in Roa v Morgan that governance trumps management.
Hei aha!
SO WHAT HAPPENED?
Hui stumbled & fumbled its way to a confrontational ending .. people were shoved & shouted at; TKI chair was shouted at; committee embarrassed by its own petty & decietful behavior; committee announced that it had accepted the Hiiona Marae election certificate; and then!
BACK INTO COURT DUE TO BREACHING THE RULES & BRINGING TKI INTO DISREPUTE
HEMI RAU announced disputes resolution approach has been abandoned - committee is being taken to court for breach of the Rules.
This is the same committee that in 12 Feb 2012 TSM promised to:
• Nurture relationships between Te Arataura and the Head of the Kaahui Ariki, the Tribal Parliament, Waikato-Tainui members, and other iwi, as well as important stakeholders;
• Maintain and uphold the objects of Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Incorporated (Te Kauhanganui);
• Work in a consensus manner in the forthcoming term; and
• Work collaboratively with Te Kauhanganui to ensure clarity on the powers, roles and responsibilities of Te Arataura.
Yeah Right!
NB: Notes taken during Hui will be transcribed & made available via:
waikatopolitx@ - soon.
Posted by Chris Webster at 11:35 PM
22 August 2012
Court confirms TKI chair - 25 Aug meet to proceed
STOP PRESS!
We have learned the committee has agreed to remove item 6 from Saturday's TKI meeting agenda following negotiations that were confirmed by a High Court Minute issued last evening.
Agenda item 6: To confirm to elect a new chairperson of Te Kauhanganui.
The meeting on Saturday 25 August @ Hopuhopu will be chaired by the duly elected & incumbent chair Mrs Tania Martin & start at 9:00am.
And all TKI Officers will be in attendance as well they should.
Be a happy house everyone & behave
My, my. Citizen Paki's carpet is being trespassed & the tribal money coffers have been opened to spill out the dwindling cash reserves to allow the wallowing & the spin-doctoring by certain Waikato males ... & for what?
The motives & intentions became crystal clear when Tuku Morgan (who has continued to stagger his ego in & out of citizen Paki's office - he never really did give up on the chaos & dysfunction that he created within Te Kauhanganui ) appeared on Te Kaea last evening with his spiel on double-tongue forks.
Today as a crown agent he has told his government paymasters to 'take a hike' with his immaterial & inconsequential comments about his paymasters the Crown & its ministers - not attending this hooey next week.
Remember last year he announced to the nation that HE was the PM.
No doubt the REAL PM KEY will stand up & face the front - when he gets in from APEC & Vladivostock after riding shirt-less with President Putin.
And the REAL PM KEY (being the politician he is) will consider Morgan's presence at the state money trough 'immaterial & inconsequential' & say 'Ta-Ta'.
citizen Roa (another 'immaterial & inconsequential' who chairs the 9-member feral committee) is pretending to 'represent someone (his iwi's - roa dia-tribe) on some freshwater committee.
Who does he claim to represent? No I said the Fly.
Doe he represent you?
Oh that is right. He heard voices giving him license to practice witchcraft. He must have had help to spin a mysterious net & to help drag his butt from the mud-banks of the Waikato River - onto yet another bloody committee.
Mind bloggling - these Waikato Maori males - strutting (well that is bit difficult when you are less than 5f 3m high), faceless, goons, dressed in black suits (WTF is this madness) & obeying the bidding of the putty moulder - Tuku Morgan.
So they are all a-puff & huffing & strutting their silly-self-inflated nonsense in front of mirrors. Get the angle right boys. Look at the train wreck you are leaving.
And all for the want of power & greed & money & cars & black suits & some imagined place elsewhere ... kinda like the zealots who blow them & others up to sanction the madness of chaos & corruption & who mistakenly believe they will be granted eternity in their next life.
Assume the position. None need further bidding.
Government won't go to water hui
DANYA LEVY
Last updated 11:42 05/09/2012
Covert plan for user-pays education, claims report MP: Rebstock rules the vulnerable ACC caught providing misleading answers again 'E-democracy' to give public say PM's Koiwoi eccent sparks diplomatic incident Asset sale delay 'gives time for referendum' Plain cigarette packs backed Rebstock confirmed as ACC chairwoman Minister advised on Bain's compensation Christchurch hospital revamp biggest ever
Prime Minister John Key says the Government will not attend a hui called by the Maori king over water rights because it rejects calls for a national water settlement.
Key also made it clear none of his MPs should attend the hui because that would cause confusion about them representing the crown.
The Maori King, King Tuheitia, called the hui just days after the Government rejected calls for one from the Waitangi Tribunal.
It will be held at the Turangawaewae Marae at Ngaruawahia next week.
The Government this week pushed out a share float for Mighty River Power, the first partial sale of four state-owned energy companies, from November until next March.
It followed a Waitangi Tribunal report calling for the sales to be delayed until a mechanism could be established to compensate iwi who have freshwater claims in the companies' catchment areas.
The Government has been negotiating with the Iwi Leaders Group - which represents New Zealand's largest tribes - on water issues, not directly to the Maori Council which took the claim to the Tribunal.
The council and other claimant groups with interests in the areas affected by the asset sales yesterday met to discuss possible court action against the Government. The Government wants to settle water rights through direct negotiation with individual iwi.
King Tuheitia spokesman Tuku Morgan today said next week's hui would unite all Maori.
"This national summit is for everyone, to enable all Maori across the political landscape, across the tribal landscape, to come together so we can have a significant discussion about how we expect to resolve in a cohesive way, the issue of the ownership of water," he told Radio New Zealand.
Labour leader David Shearer today said Key would have to attend the national water hui.
"You can't really have a hui and not have him, or the National Party, turn up."
Negotiations on water rights could not be rushed.
"You can't just push them through in a few weeks and that's what he's trying to do in order to get the asset sales off the ground," he told TV3's Firstline programme.
The Tribunal report warned the Government would be breaching the Treaty of Waitangi if it went ahead with asset sales before water rights were settled.
Cabinet rejected most of the Tribunal's recommendations, which included a national hui and pan-Maori water settlement, and a "shares-plus" deal to give iwi claimants veto rights over management decisions.
Key has said the Government will spend five weeks consulting with iwi over the shares-plus option but has said the Government is unlikely to change its position.
Meanwhile, the Hawke's Bay iwi Ngati Kahungunu has lodged a claim with the Tribunal over its rights to New Zealand's second largest aquifer. Other claims could also follow the Tribunal's report.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Ken Mair has emailed this panui:
What are Māori interests in fresh water?
This information has been developed by Te Wai Māori Trust to explain issues being discussed in the media by our politicians & whanaui Māori in relation to claims to fresh water.
What is Te Wai Māori Trust & why is it publishing this information?
Te Wai Māori Trust was established through a nationwide agreement to represent the interests of iwi in issues relating to freshwater fisheries and waterways.
Te Wai Māori Trust was established in 2004 through the Māori Fisheries Act to support and promote iwi management of waterways, notably in relation to customary commercial and customary non-commercial freshwater fisheries.
The Trust also has a statutory role protecting and enhancing freshwater fisheries habitats (lakes, rivers, and other water bodies), particularly those that have traditionally supported iwi.
The Trust is to advance Māori interests in freshwater fisheries through:
• Undertaking and/or funding research, development and education in the field of freshwater fisheries and their habitats;
• Promoting the protection and enhancement of freshwater fisheries and their habitats;
• Promoting the establishment of freshwater fisheries; and
• Using resources to bring direct and indirect benefits to Māori in respect of freshwater fisheries interests.
Although Te Wai Māori Trust is not a party to the proceedings in the Waitangi Tribunal & WAI2358, the approach taken by the claimants under the New Zealand Māori Council supports the position of Te Wai Māori that there are unresolved & untested legal questions about the nature of Māori rights & interests in freshwater that need to be answered.
Te Wai Māori Trust has created an online fresh water information resource to assist iwi & individuals wanting to better understand the discussion over Māori rights & interests in fresh water.
As you know the trust was established through the Māori Fisheries Act 2004 which gave effect to the agreement on allocation of the Māori Commercial Fisheries Settlement.
Our role is to support & promote hapu & iwi management of freshwater fisheries in relation to customary commercial & customary non-commercial freshwater fisheries.
We aim to ensure that individual hapu & iwi are well-informed on issues around fresh water, the reasons behind the Waitangi Tribunal claim & exactly what is at stake.
From discussions with individual hapu & iwi, it is our view that Māori have rights & interests in fresh water.
These include not only rights in respect of management, but also use & development rights.
Our online fresh water information can be found here.
Further additions to the information will occur regularly & will be added to the page as they become available.
Included will be our analysis of the Waitangi Tribunal’s Interim Report on the National Freshwater & Geothermal Resources Claims (Wai2358).
Nga patai? Contact ken.mair@teohu.maori.nz, Kirsty Woods or Doug Jones.
Naku noa, na
Ken Mair
CHAIRPERSON
WAI
Maoridom gathers for national water hui
By Yvonne Tahana and Audrey Young
4:24 PM Thursday Sep 13, 2012
[pic]
Kingitanga spokesman Tukuroirangi Morgan today at Turangawaewae. Photo / Audrey Young
About 700 of Maoridom's "A listers" as well and ordinary iwi members have gathered at Turangawaewae Marae on the banks of the Waikato River today for a national hui on water, hosted by King Tuheitia.
Hui organiser and Kingitanga spokesman Tukuroirangi Morgan said the turnout showed that "water unites us."
The hui would design a collaborative approach to protect Maori rights and interests over water, he said.
"That's what we're going to do today."
He said the Government would not be able to ignore what emerged from the hui.
As well as iwi leaders, corporations, the Maori Federation of Authorities, Kohanga Reo, the Maori Women's Welfare League and the urban Maori authorities are attending.
"You've got the A listers of Maoridom."
Sir Eddie Durie co-chairman of the Maori Council was always going to be one of the most anticipated speakers of the afternoon.
He slammed an approach which would see water claims settled at the same time as tribes sorted out their historical claims.
For Maori to go down that route was to short change themselves.But he also slammed an approach which would see water claims settled at the same time as historical claims.
"What they [the Government] give is nothing because a historic claim has a fixed quantum."
He also warned that to settle water issues after the government sold 49 per cent of Mighty River Power wasn't going to work either because Maori would have the added difficulty of investors who wouldn't want to sort the issue because of the impact on their share values.
"We must settle the nature of those rights first before we can contemplate a sale."
He didn't mince words about the council's unpopular position with the Government.They were "very friendly to the iwi leaders I suspect that's because they've got the foot in the door. We've got the door in our face."
He backed the hui's purpose for unity over water and hoped all Maori, inlcuding iwi leaders could stand together on the issue.
There was a rumble however, when he said: "And if we have to go to court to pay up together.
Mr Morgan said there was a big turnout because of a growing and mounting fear that the Crown was going "to subvert our rights and interests and minimise our rights and interests as they have done for a long, long time."
"There is a deep sense of urgency and a desire that we are going to talk and find a way forward collaboratively," he told the Herald before the formal part of the hui began.
"For far too long we've been working in silos - the Maori Council in their own corner, iwi leaders in their own corner. All the threads have got to come together. We have got to find a much more representative, collaborative model that pulls us together."
Several speakers including Maori Council co-chairman Sir Edward Taihukurei Durie and Tuwharetoa chief Sir Tumu te Heuehu will make short speeches, and organisers say the hui will then be turned over to the floor for two hours of debate.
Former Maori Party president Whatarangi Winiata will pull together recommendations from the hui, which will then be presented and debated at a hui tomorrow of the Iwi Chairs Forum at nearby Hopuhopu.
Te Arawa's Toby Curtis, one of five tribal heads on the powerful Iwi Leaders Group on Freshwater said he'd like a meeting with the Maori Council to sort out where there were commonalities.
Iwi leaders say a direct negotiation approach with the government is the best way forward.
Asked what he thought the Council's role should be he said: "It's like what it's done - it's to challenge the government ."
Sorting out water issues for Maori wouldn't work if either body thought they could lead the issue alone, he said.
The hui has been called in the wake of a report by the Waitangi Tribunal saying the Government would be breaching the Treaty of Waitangi if it went ahead with its partial asset sales programme.
The tribunal recommended that the Government convene a national hui to discuss how it could recognise Maori proprietary interest in water and advanced a concept called "shares plus" - shares in the SOEs being partially floated and some form of control by iwi.
The Government has delayed the first float, of Mighty River Power, until next March or April. It will consult iwi associated with waterways used by Mighty River Power on the ''shares plus" concept but has rejected it as unworkable and has rejected any pan-Maori approach to settle water claims.
Mana leader Hone Harawira is one of a handful of politicians and former politicians at today's hui. His supporters distributed a pamphlet setting out an ''Dear John..." open letter to Prime Minister John Key - run in the opinion pages of today's New Zealand Herald.
It calls on him to set aside the asset sales, give the Waitangi Tribunal time to conduct a further hearing "and then I'd call everyone back to the table in 12 months and see if we could come up with a solution that works for all.
By Yvonne Tahana and Audrey Young | Email Yvonne
1. [pic]Maori king: ‘We own water’
Bottom of Form
[pic]We own the water - Maori King
By Audrey Young
5:30 AM Friday Sep 14, 2012
Defiant Tuheitia lays down challenge to PM as hui resolves to back Maori Council over Mighty River sale
Maori King Tuheitia challenged the Prime Minister's dictum that no one owns the water by ending his national hui on Maori water rights last night with the declaration, "We have always owned the water!"
The hui resolved to fund a Maori Council court challenge to the sale of Mighty River Power unless the Government settles issues of proprietary rights over water before the share float of state-owned power companies.
King Tuheitia's strongly worded speech ended the hui attended by about 1000 people from throughout the country.
"The motto of Kingitanga is mana motuhake. We have never ceded our mana over the river to anyone," he said.
"In the eyes of our people, Pakeha law was set up to minimise our mana and maximise their own."
The hui at Tuarangawaewae in Ngaruawahia united groups including the Iwi Leaders Group, the New Zealand Maori Council, the Kingitanga, and iwi from around the nation.
It passed a resolution calling on negotiations with the Crown to take place before the sale of shares in state-owned power companies or its negotiations with iwi and hapu on water rights.
The King closed the hui saying his iwi aimed to take back control of the Waikato.
He said that when his mother, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, died, his tribe had to seek permission from the regional council to take her by waka to her resting place on Taupiri mountain.
The co-management settlement Waikato-Tainui has over the river was the best deal they could achieve.
"The ultimate goal is for Maori to take back these roles from the council."
The resolutions from the hui will be discussed today at another hui - of the Iwi Chairs Forum, a grouping of 64 iwi leaders.
Hui organiser Tukoroirangi Morgan said the resolutions would be conveyed to the Government.
The hui was called in the wake of a report by the Waitangi Tribunal saying the Government would be breaching the Treaty of Waitangi if it went ahead with its partial asset sales programme.
The Government has delayed the first float, of Mighty River Power, until next March or April. It will consult iwi associated with waterways used by Mighty River Power but has rejected any pan-Maori approach to settle water claims.
And it has refused to meet the Maori Council which took the water case.
The hui's response to that has been a pan-Maori negotiation ahead of any share sale or iwi negotiations with the Crown.
And it reflects the line taken by Maori Council co-chairman, Sir Eddie Durie.
"We must settle the nature of those rights first before we can contemplate a sale," he told the hui.
He noted the Government's unfriendliness towards the Maori Council, saying the iwi leaders had their foot in the door.
"We've got the door in our face."
Even the most moderate of the speakers, Tuwharetoa chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu, spoke about giving Maori more power to make decisions about how water is used and sharing in the economic benefits of the use of water.
The Mana Party's Hone Harawira MP and Annette Sykes embraced the notion of unity alongside the Iwi Leaders Group, which their party normally condemns as elites.
"If it takes the korowai [cloak] of the Kingitanga I'm happy with that," said Mr Harawira.
The outcome
Resolutions passed by the hui to be discussed at an Iwi Chairs Forum today
* Proprietary rights must be settled before the sale of shares and before hapu and iwi enter negotiations with Crown
* King Tuheitia, Sir Tumu te Heuheu, Sir Eddie Durie, Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi and Kaa O'Brien, New Zealand Maori Council choose negotiators - including women - to deal with the Crown
* If negotiations fail, iwi will support a New Zealand Maori Council court challenge
By Audrey Young | Email Audrey
1. [pic]Ovation for veteran's plea
2. Maoridom gathers for national water hui
3. All eyes on Maori water hui
4. Mai Chen: Stopping the grievance cycle
'The welfare of the people is the supreme law'. Cicero
13 September 2012
Who is who & who will be who?
There's a meeting going on at Ngaruawahia where all kinds of effort is being concentrated on how important people think they are.
And there are lots of vested interests at that meeting who want to protect their patch & their take.
Some items have been added to the agenda - which hitherto were unknown - and those items relate to a collective voice agreeing to certain outcomes or resolutions agreed at Turangawaewae yesterday.
We all know that the Hui confirmed the need for a working party to enter into direct negotiations / talks with PM John Key & his ministers about the asset sales & the partial privatisation of 4 SOE energy / power companies.
As readers know PM Key & his government delayed that IPO until next year.
The Hui wanted a group of people to further or advance the citizen Paki's claim that Maori own the water in NZ & that they always have. So there!
So what was added to the agenda for today?
YESTERDAY THE HUI AGREED
To stand united on this matter;
To decide a framework for the expression of mana (including proprietary rights) to be settled before the sale of shares & before hapu & iwi enter into negotiations with government; &
that this framework be negotiated with government by persons chosen by the following people & beside their names is our pick-list.
Citizen Tuheitia: will nominate plotter & schemer - Tuku Morgan;
Sir Tumu Te Heuheu: either him or Georgina Te Heuheu;
Sir Taihakurei Durie: either him, Maanu Paul, Rahui Katene;
Dame Iritana Tawhiwhirangi: either her, Tania Martin, Annette Sykes;
Kaa O'Brien of MWWL:
Nominees of the 10 claimants:
NZMC: As above.
Iwi leaders: Some are already mentioned.
Gender: There must be a balance of women & men with skills commensurate with knowledge of negotiations.
Ma te wa!
Key hits back: Maori King 'just plain wrong' on water
By Audrey Young and Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Saturday Sep 15, 2012
Prime Minister John Key says there is no reason for Maori water rights issues to delay the sale of Mighty River Power shares. Photo / Paul Taylor
Prime Minister John Key says King Tuheitia's claim that Maori have always owned New Zealand's water is "just plain wrong".
All the advice the Government has received is that the common-law position that no one owns the water stands, he told the Weekend Herald yesterday.
"I just don't believe there is anything we are doing that is legally or morally wrong.
"We are following the best advice, and advice we believe is established in law, albeit that the law is embryonic is this area."
He said there was no reason for Maori water rights issues to delay the sale of Mighty River Power shares.
"It's a Treaty partner relationship between Maori and the Crown, it's not an issue between Mighty River Power and Maori."
Anyone who thought the sale of Mighty River shares and Maori rights were linked would have to believe that Maori could not register their interests and rights in waters used by Contact Energy, a company that had been 100 per cent sold.
"I'll bet you those iwi don't agree with that proposition."
Mr Key was speaking after a second hui at Turangawaewae Marae at Ngaruawahia ended.
The first hui on water issues, billed by some there as "the people's hui" was hosted by King Tuheitia.
In a speech at the end of the hui, the King said: "We have always owned the water."
The hui passed resolutions of unity, decided to establish a group to approach the Government for talks on defining water rights, wanted iwi to hold off any negotiations on water until that happened, and backed a Maori Council court challenge to halt the float of state-owned enterprises if the talks failed.
But that unanimity was weakenedyesterday.
A hui of the Iwi Chairs Forum backed the bid for unity but fell short of backing the other measures.
It is understood motions covering the other issues backed at the King's hui were not put because they were likely to be voted down.
Iwi leaders did not take kindly to the people's hui telling them they should put any of their negotiations on hold.
The iwi leaders approved further talks being led by Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu on recognition of water rights.
Mr Key said it was possible the Government could meet the group established by the King's hui, as it covered many groups.
But he couldn't guarantee that such a meeting would be held.
That sort of equivocation over dealing with a new grouping on water makes the likelihood of a Maori Council bid to stop the SOE share float even more likely.
Sir Tumu said after yesterday's hui that two things had been madeclear.
"First, it is for each iwi to determine how they wish to advance the issue of their rights and interests in fresh water, and it is not a case of one size fits all.
"Secondly, our current engagement with the Crown must continue, given the important decisions that are likely to be made by the Crown over the next three to six months in relation to a new freshwater framework for Aotearoa."
It is understood the Government's consultations with iwi over the next month about the "shares plus" recommendation by the Waitangi Tribunal will still go ahead.
Earlier in the day, raised voices could be heard from the hui as it discussed what had happened at the King's hui.
Not all iwi were represented at the King's hui. Ngati Porou and Tuhoe were not there. And Sir Tumu was not there for the vote.
Roger Pikia from Ngati Whao-Ngati Tahu along the Waikato River said yesterday that the bulk of the resolutions would not fly.
The resolution on unity was the only one voted on unanimously by the Iwi Chairs Forum - the rest weren't put to the floor, he said.
"No one is going to devolve their negotiation right to a panel that's kind of been elected from a national hui."
The resolutions weren't "dead in the water", as iwi would go back and canvass the views of their iwi authorities and people, Mr Pikia said.
There was no timetable, but there was an urgency to complete that work and it might happen by the next Iwi Chairs Forum.
Asked if Ngati Whao-Ngati Tahu would take part in the shares plus consultation, Mr Pikia said:
"We all have to do a little more thinking about how in fact we might be individually affected by the privatisation of the SOEs."
By Audrey Young and Yvonne Tahana | Email Audrey
15 September 2012
Who owns the water? Not I said the Fly
The mainstream & Maori media have had a field day reporting on this & that & then the ultimate rejection by PM John Key declaring 'the Maori King is plain wrong'.
Ah. Now what was Plan B?
Stuff news reported:HUIGENIUS: G rejected a national Hui on water; it got one like it or not. Yesterday's Hui at Ngaruawahia's picturesque & historic Turangawaewae marae was inspired genius by King Tuheitia or more likely his close lieutenant Tukoroirangi Morgan.
Yep. But what was Plan B?
The so-called 'Iwi Leaders Group'
Last Friday the self-appointed group of Maori males who call themselves 'Iwi Leaders Group or Forum' got to have a shin-dig of their own also at Turangawaewae Marae.
Most if not all had attended the Hui on Thursday & they too had an agenda. Of sorts. As reported earlier an item had been added.
What to do with the people's call for kotahitanga & court action & to stop talking with the government on water issues? Presumably members of ILG were present & had voted to support? Those points again were:
• To stand united on this matter;
• To decide a framework for the expression of mana (including proprietary rights) to be settled before the sale of shares & before hapu & iwi enter into negotiations with government; &
• that this framework be negotiated with government by persons chosen by certain people.
AND what did these iwi leaders do?
First they had a Plan B.
They kicked out all the media gathered in Kimiora.
They held a meeting in camera & debated their agenda;
They also resolved the matters from the Hui.
Then they released their decision. STATUSQUO
ILG Plan B
At today’s (Friday's) meeting of the Iwi Chairs Forum at Turangawaewae Marae more than 45 iwi organisations unanimously passed formal resolutions endorsing the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group & its continued engagement with the Crown.
The call for kotahitanga arising from the previous day’s water Hui was acknowledged.
However it was made very clear by the assembled iwi that the mechanisms for working together are matters for each iwi to consider & discuss with their respective hapu & could not be imposed on iwi in some generic way.
Sir Tumu te Heuheu (Chair FILG): 'Two things were made clear by the iwi present today.
First: it is for each iwi to determine how they wish to advance the issue of their rights & interests in fresh water & it is not a case of 'one size fits all'.
Secondly: our current engagement with the Crown must continue given the important decisions that are likely to be made by the Crown over the next three to six months in relation to a new freshwater framework for Aotearoa.'
Mark Solomon (Chair TRONT): 'While matters relating to the sale of SOE shares are important the focus of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group has always been clear.
Our focus is on the Crown’s on-going review of the framework for freshwater including important issues of governance decision-making limit setting & allocation. Iwi rights & interests have a place across all these issues & must be appropriately recognised.'
'It is critical that this engagement continues because the health & well-being of our waterways & iwi rights & interests must be at the forefront of any new freshwater system. We are in discussions with the Crown on these issues not in negotiations & we will continue to report back & seek further direction from the motu as those discussions progress.'
So there!
What you gonna do when you're all alone?
• The PM has rejected Tuheitia Paki's desire for kingitanga control of the water.
• The hapu & iwi currently engaged want to continue to talk with the government.
• The so-called ILG has declared itself as a non-starter to the frantic urging of Morgan & Paki to go to battle under the mana of kingitanga.
• And now the country is up in arms against Maori citizens because of the zealotry & single-minded 'oops non-thinking' demonstrated so stupidly by these two clowns & their silent & anonymous supporters.
So what is the genius of the Hui going to do now?
Water hui boycott 'strengthens Government's position' - Key
DANYA LEVY AND TRACY WATKINS
Bottom of Form
[pic]
King Tuheitia
Politics
Water hui boycott 'strengthens Government's position' - Key Government holds to surplus timing New Secretary of Defence appointed Master of Keyvasive action It's no wonder we don't trust MPs Key fends off calls to sack Banks Government could nationalise water - Key Defence Force gets $45m in payrises Government control in Christchurch criticised Schools lodge Waitangi Tribunal complaints
Prime Minister John Key says a decision by some Tainui iwi to boycott the Government's water consultation hui strengthens the Government's legal position should the matter end up in court.
Some sub-tribes of Tainui, one of the country's biggest iwi, will boycott today's hui, which is the first of a number planned by the Government in the wake of a Waitangi Tribunal report warning the Government would be in breach of the Treaty if it proceeded with the sale of shares in State-owned Mighty River Power.
The hui have been called to consult over a key recommendation of the tribunal, that Maori be given shares, board positions and other rights over other shareholders in an arrangement it called ‘‘shares plus’’.
The Government has rejected the shares plus proposal as unacceptable but is consulting iwi over it to satisfy its good faith requirements under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Key said it was "their choice" if some iwi chose to boycott today's hui and the advice the Government had received was that as long as it consulted in good faith "if someone doesn't turn up that might affect their legal position, but it certainly won't affect ours".
"You can bring a horse to water but you can't make them drink".
Asked if the boycott played into the Government's hands in terms of a potential legal challenge to the sale of Mighty River Power shares, Key responded:"Yes".
He was also unfazed by a hui last week in which 1000 iwi members voted to present a united front over their oppositon to the share float.
Key said some people were combining the general issue of water rights and interests with consultaton over the shares plus proposal, which was what the series of hui were about.
Maori have been negotiating with the Government for a number of years over recognising their rights and interests in water.
"Some people have a belief those rights and interests are more broad than the Government believes," Key said.
It would be disappointing if some Maori chose to boycott the Government's hui for that reason but it was "a free country".
It was unclear, meanwhile, whether Maori had a unified positon on the issue.
"From the media reports I've seen, there are more positions than Lady Gaga's got outfits."
Labour leader David Shearer said the consultation hui were "pointless" when the Government had already ruled out a shares plus programme.
"Why start a hui, or go into any discussion where in fact you've already said there is no point in having this discussions cause I don't agree with what we're actually putting on the table?"
It was not real consultation but was aimed at improving the Government's position if it had to go to court, he said.
"It is not a consultation that is genuine… it's an absolute sham."
MAORI PARTY BACKS WATER CLAIM
Government ally the Maori Party is backing King Tuheitia over his claim that Maori have always owned the water.
The claim came in a statement delivered by the king as he wrapped up a 1000-strong hui last week calling for Maori to present a united front on the issue.
Key said the king was "plain wrong".
But Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples said yesterday Key was wrong and the Maori Party, along with the rest of Maoridom, agreed with the king's view.
It was time for the Crown and Maori to thrash out the issue because both had different concepts of ownership.
"Till we sit down under the Treaty of Waitangi and discuss the differences . . . then this argument will go on and on."
The same difference of opinion lay at the heart of the foreshore and seabed dispute.
The important difference this time, however, was Key's word that the Crown would not legislate away Maori rights if the courts found in their favour, Dr Sharples said.
"We asked for that guarantee, the prime minister gave it and I believe he will keep his word on that."
But Key stopped short of a cast iron guarantee against legislation yesterday - only suggesting that it was unlikely to be needed, since it would probably take 20 years for any claim to wind its way through the courts.
He also appeared to pre-empt the next move from iwi leaders, who plan to present the Government with a framework for recognising Maori rights and interests over water, including decision-making powers over how water is used and allocated, and being able to share in the economic benefits of any developments.
Key said the recent settlement with Tainui giving them co-management and guardianship rights already provided a national framework.
- © Fairfax NZ News
Key compares Maori unity on water to Gaga's outfits
By Audrey Young
10:50 AM Tuesday Sep 18, 2012
[pic]
Key said Maori had more positions on water than Lady Gaga had outfits. Photos / AP, File
Prime Minister John Key said Maori had more positions on water than Lady Gaga had outfits.
On his way into caucus at Parliament this morning he was asked about the unity around the water issue at the national hui last week called by King Tuheitia.
He suggested that from the media reports he had seen there wasn't unity.
"There are kind of more positions than Lady Gaga's got outfits."
There were many views in Maoridom over these issues, he said.
That King's hui attended by iwi leaders, trusts, corporations and ordinary iwi passed a series of resolutions last week:
- That Maori stand united on the matter;
- That a framework for expression on Mana, including proprietary right be settled before the sale of shares in the state-owned Mighty River Power and before iwi and hapu enter negotiations with the Crown;
Article continues below
- That that framework be negotiated with the Crown by persons chosen by Kingi Tuheitia, Sir Tumu Te Heuheu, Sir Taihakurei Durie, Iritana Tawhiwhirangi and Kaa O'Brien from nominees of the claimants, New Zealand Mâori Council and Iwi leaders, and having regard to gender.
At a hui of the Iwi Chairs Forum the following morning, the 45 leaders there passed the first motion about standing united but were adamant that iwi themselves should negotiate with the Crown, rather than another group.
Mr Key said it was a free country and the groups the Government had invited were free not to turn up but he would be disappointed.
"But at the end of the day if they don't want to turn up, they don't want to turn up."
He said no other proposal was going to be tabled at the consultation hui but if mandated iwi who were yet to settle with the Crown wanted to buy some ''on account'' that would be possible.
"We do lots of 'on account' settlements at the moment for an iwi that has got a mandate but who hasn't actually physically got the cash yet. We do that for assets and this is another form of asset so in principle, if they wanted to do that I wanted to object to that.
"That's just Maori paying the full price in the same queue as everybody else."
Finance Minister Bill who will be fronting the consultation meetings for the Government said this morning he not been advised that any group would not be going.
By Audrey Young | Email Audrey
Iwi leaders turn out in force to latest hui
By Yvonne Tahana
12:03 PM Wednesday Sep 19, 2012
[pic]
Te Ariki, Sir Tumu Te Heuheu. Photo / NZPA
Ngati Tuwharetoa and Te Arawa leaders have taken a different approach to a government hui near Taupo today by turning out in force.
A paramount chief has told a full room including Deputy Prime Minister Bill English that he expects the iwi's own preference - to keep engaging directly with senior government ministers over water rights to continue. It is a position at odds with King Tuheitia's water summit last week.
At the summit 1000 Maori voted to support a unified approach to water claims and to support the establishment of a new body to establish a framework over water rights.
Sir Tumu te Heuheu said he was "compelled by circumstances" to clarify his iwi's position.
"Ngati Tuwharetoa is in an extraordinary position of having customary ... and proprietary rights over the very lakes, waterways and geothermal fields [where energy companies operate].
He outlined that the tribe was still waiting "patiently" for the Waitangi Tribunal to report back on its 2006 geothermal and hydroelectric claim and said he had been mandated through multiple internal hui to deal direct with the government - he hoped that would not change.
"I urge the Crown to respect this."
Tainui leaders boycotted the first hui yesterday in Hamilton.
King Tuheitia's spokesman Tuku Morgan told Radio New Zealand today that the hui was a waste of time and money. Maori Party co-leader Tariana Turia said she believed the Government's position that it didn't believe the concept would work - meaning it was not a true consultation.
Leaders from across the Central North Island including Ngati Raukawa, a significant Tainui tribe, Ngati Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau plus those who have interests in geothermal land are also in attendance.
By Yvonne Tahana | Email Yvonne
1. [pic]Empty chairs at English's hui
2. Water unity under threat
3. First hui draws 12 people
4. Key: Iwi water unity 'Gaga'
Bottom of Form
[pic]Water unity under threat
By Yvonne Tahana and Adam Bennett
5:30 AM Thursday Sep 20, 2012
Tuwharetoa asserts its right to continue to negotiate directly with the Government
The push for Maori unity over negotiations about rights and interests in water looked in danger of unravelling yesterday after Ngati Tuwharetoa asserted its right to negotiate as it saw fit with the Government.
Paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu clarified his iwi's position at the Government's second "Shares Plus" hui in Taupo.
However, Sir Tumu, Whanganui River iwi and the Maori Party in Parliament continued to question the value of the Crown's consultation process.
In a speech opening the second consultation hui on Shares Plus at Wairakei, Sir Tumu said he was "compelled by circumstances" to clarify his iwi's position. He said his iwi would continue with its direct engagement with the Government. "I urge the Crown to respect this."
The clarification comes after King Tuheitia's summit last week resolved that Maori would stand united on water issues, and that a new framework on proprietary rights should be settled before the part-sale of shares in Mighty River Power and before iwi and hapu enter Crown negotiations.
Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board chairman John Bishara said he expected to face criticism from those who supported summit resolutions.
"It's political, and some people love us and some people will criticise us, but for us personally, here at home ... it's about Tuwharetoa.
Mr Bishara said the tribe wanted its water issues resolved "sooner rather than later." It has a geothermal and hydroelectric claim and owns the bed of Lake Taupo.
But Sir Tumu told yesterday's hui that he did not consider it to be a substitute for his iwi's ongoing engagement with the Crown.
While Tuesday's hui in Hamilton was boycotted by Tainui waka iwi, yesterday's drew about 60 Te Arawa leaders. Representatives from Ngati Raukawa, which is a Tainui tribe, were also present.
Raukawa Settlement Trust chairwoman Vanessa Eparaima said her organisation had always intended to go to the hui.
Her assessment of Shares Plus was that it gave Raukawa nothing more than it already had. It had built up a strong relationship with Mighty River Power and already had a memorandum of understanding.
"There's no value in the plus."
Later yesterday, about 80 iwi representatives attended a hui in Wanganui, after which their tribes said they did not see the gathering as addressing or reflecting their relationship with the Whanganui River.
Spokesman Gerrard Albert said the Tongariro power scheme, which diverts water from the Whanganui River headwaters, had always been an issue for local iwi and they therefore had an interest in the planned assets sales.
"However, it's important to be clear that the current national focus on the sale of shares in the companies and the associated water debate does not address our river as a whole," Mr Albert said.
In Parliament, Te Ururoa Flavell continued the Maori Party's criticism that the series of hui did not represent true consultation, a view party co-leaders Tariana Turia and Pita Sharples presented to the Government at a meeting last night.
Treaty Negotiations Minister Chris Finlayson rejected that criticism.
"The Government has a preliminary view. It wants to test that view ... The Government acknowledges it may not have thought of everything. It wants to hear other views, and then it will make a decision, and that is why we will have a consultation."
- Additional reporting: Wanganui Chronicle
By Yvonne Tahana and Adam Bennett | Email Yvonne
TKI High Court decision: TAAs actions unlawful
|IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND |
|HAMILTON REGISTRY CIV-2012-419-000958 [2012] NZHC 2483 |
|BETWEEN WILLIAM RICHARD BUSTER TAKEREI, TANIA ERIS MARTIN, ROIMATA WHANGA-KATIPA and DONNA-LEE KATIPA Plaintiffs; |
|AND TOM ROA, STANLEY PAPA, KINGI PORIMA, RUKUMOANA SCHAAFHAUSEN, JEFFERY WILSON, GREGORY MILLER, HEMI RAU, TIPA MAHUTA, |
|PAKI RAWIRI and MARAE TUKERE: First Defendants; |
|AND PAREKAWHIA MCLEAN Second Defendant; |
|AND ROBIN TUKAHA WHANGA, FRANCES BORELL and VINCENT HOHEPA: Third Defendants. |
|Hearing: 17 September 2012 |
|Appearances: N J Russell & S Carpenter-Plaintiffs; M Sandelin & C Haemmerle-Defendants. |
|Judgment: 25 September 2012. |
Introduction
[1] This case has been brought to determine whether the three last named plaintiffs or the third defendants are the duly elected representatives of the Hiiona Marae on Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Incorporated (Te Kauhanganui).
[2] The plaintiffs seek declaratory relief and related orders confirming that Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa Mrs Tania Martin and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa have been validly elected to Te Kauhanganui as representatives of Hiiona Marae.
[3] The defendants oppose the application. They consider that the third defendants are the duly elected representatives.
Background
[4] Te Kauhanganui is an incorporated society under the Incorporated Societies Act 1908. It was established in 1999 following the Waikato-Tainui Settlement with the Crown in 1995.
The Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust (the Lands Trust) was established by Deed dated 10 November 1995 to hold and manage the settlement assets on behalf of the settlement beneficiaries the members of Waikato-Tainui.
There are approximately 64,000 registered tribal members of Waikato-Tainui. Te Kauhanganui is the sole trustee of the Lands Trust.
[5] Te Kauhanganui’s Constitution provides for three elected representatives from each of the 66 marae in the Waikato rohe affiliated to the Waikato-Tainui confederation of iwi. The representatives are elected for three year terms.
Like all incorporated societies Te Kauhanganui conducts its affairs including the election of marae representatives in accordance with rules registered with the Registrar of Incorporated Societies (the Rules).
[6] The day-to-day management and control of Te Kauhanganui is left in the hands of an elected group of individuals comparable in some senses to an executive committee known as Te Arataura.
The 10 members of Te Arataura are elected from members of the wider Te Kauhanganui body on a triennial basis.
[7] Unfortunately there appear to be two factions within the Hiiona Marae and Te Kauhanganui those who support Mrs Martin on the one side and those who do not on the other.
[8] The resolution of the issues in this case turns primarily on the interpretation and application of the rules of Te Kauhanganui as an incorporated society.
It is not for this Court to attempt to resolve the issues between the factions or to comment on who is right or wrong on the issues between them save for determining who are the Hiiona Marae representatives for 2012-2015.
The parties
The plaintiffs
[9] William Takerei is an elected member and Deputy Chairperson of Te Kauhanganui. He is one of the three members elected to Te Kauhanganui to represent Te Kauri Marae.
Tania Martin was elected at a Hui-aa-Iwi on 27 March 2011 to represent Hiiona Marae on Te Kauhanganui. Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa and Donna-Lee Katipa were also elected as representatives of Hiiona Marae at that hui on 27 March 2011.
[10] Mrs Martin was also elected as Chair of Te Kauhanganui on 28 August 2011 and re-elected on 12 February 2012. (The defendants say on a without prejudice basis).
[11] With the exception of Mr Whanga-Katipa the plaintiffs have all filed affidavits (in the case of Mr William Takerei and Mrs Martin they have filed three).
In addition Huhaana Marshall an elected member of Te Kauhanganui representing Te Poho o Tanikena Marae has also sworn an affidavit supporting the plaintiffs.
He [sic] was a former secretary of Te Kauhanganui appointed on an interim basis at the AGM on 4 December 2011 to assist the Chairperson Mrs Martin. In that capacity he [sic] was involved in reviewing the documents submitted by Hiiona Marae in relation to the 27 March 2011 election.
[12] The first defendants are all members of the Te Arataura the executive arm of Te Kauhanganui. The second defendant is the Chief Executive of Te Kauhanganui. The third defendants are members of Hiiona Marae who were elected as the representatives of the Marae to Te Kauhanganui on 26 May 2012.
[13] Affidavits have been filed on behalf of the defendants by Mrs McLean the Chief Executive Officer of the Te Kauhanganui; Nicholas Wells a partner at Chapman Tripp who attended the Triennial Special Meeting of Te Kauhanganui on 12 February 2012; Tamati Tata (two affidavits) a trustee of Hiiona Marae and Chairperson of the Hiiona Marae; and Gregory Miller a representative of the head of Te Kaahui Ariki to Te Kauhanganui.
The parties’ positions
[14] The plaintiffs say that Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa Mrs Martin and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa were duly elected as the representatives of Hiiona Marae Te Kauhanganui on 27 March 2011.
They say that the manner in which the third defendants were elected and held out as representatives of Hiiona Marae for Te Kauhanganui amounted to a breach of Te Kauhanganui’s rules.
[15] The defendants’ position expressed by Mrs McLean and Mr Miller in their affidavits is that the issue of the representation of Hiiona Marae is for Hiiona Marae to resolve. Te Arataura’s position is described as neutral.
When issues were raised about the March 2011 elections the second defendant became involved in order to consider whether there were procedural flaws in the March 2011 election process.
The first and second defendants also accepted a request from the Hiiona Marae Chairman Mr Tata to organise further elections for Marae representatives for the 2012/2015 term.
Te Arataura says it considered the second election held on 26 May 2012 pursuant to which the third defendants were elected to be an appropriate process for the Marae to resolve its internal issues which threatened to derail the wider business of Te Kauhanganui.
[16] The defendants say that the plaintiffs were not properly elected because the notice of proceeding of 27 March 2011 did not comply with the relevant rules and nor did the election certificate.
Further the advertisement of the election certificate was published without consultation with Te Arataura and without Te Arataura’s approval. Consequently it was of no effect.
The issues
[17] There are two principal issues:
(a) Was the 27 March 2011 election of Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa Mrs Tania Martin and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa to Te Kauhanganui as representatives of Hiiona Marae valid?
(b) Whether Te Arataura and Mrs McLean’s actions in reviewing the 27 March 2011 election were legitimate?
[18] There are subsidiary issues concerning Mrs Martin’s election as Chair of Te Kauhanganui and the later election of the third defendants but they effectively follow the outcome of the principal issues.
Was the March 2011 election valid?
[19] The rules of an incorporated society constitute a contract between the society and its members. They confer upon the society’s members’ rights, enforceable at law against the society, to have the society’s affairs conducted honestly and bona fide in accordance with the society’s rules.
It follows that members of an incorporated society can bring an action founded in breach of contract where the society acts outside the express or implied scope of its rules.
In this case that is the plaintiffs’ argument.
They say that they were validly elected at the meeting of 27 March 2011 as Hiiona Marae’s representatives to Te Kauhanganui and that the first and second defendants had no right or authority to review their election as such.
To resolve that issue involves consideration of the rules of Te Kauhanganui relating to the election of Marae representatives.
Was Te Arataura entitled to act as it did and review the election of 27 March 2011?
[49] Mr Sandelin submitted, that given Te Arataura was put on notice of a dispute between the two factions at the Hiiona Marae as to the validity of the March elections, it was entitled to inquire into the election process.
Having inquired into it, it concluded that the election process did not comply with the rules and therefore it could not publish the results of the March election.
[53] As noted, clause 5.1.8 provides a process by which Te Arataura is authorised to investigate a complaint into the election process.
The inquiry was not authorised by that process. The pre-conditions for it never existed.
[54] Mrs McLean also referred to Mrs Martin’s formal complaint of 21 November 2011 against the Lands Trust including a letter purporting to:
(a) submit a vote of no confidence in the trustees of Hiiona Marae;
(b) call for their resignation; and
(c) declare a special meeting of Hiiona Marae scheduled for 27 November unconstitutional.
[55] That complaint was misguided. It could not provide any basis for Te Arataura to inquire into the validity of the March elections.
[57] Mr Sandelin submitted however that the defendants were able to rely on the general procedure in rule 16.1 to support their investigation into the March 2011 election.
Rule 16.1 provides:
16. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF TE ARATAURA
16.1 Subject to Rule 16.2, Rule 16.3, and any formal resolutions of Te Kauhanganui, the duties and responsibilities of Te Arataura is to manage the day-to-day affairs of Te Kauhanganui, including its duties and functions as the Trustee of the Waikato Raupatu Lands Trust.
[58] I am not able to accept that the investigation, outside the express power provided for such review in clause 5.1.8 of the elected representatives of individual maraes, can properly be said to be a function of 'managing the day-to-day affairs of Te Kauhanganui'.
The concept of 'day-to-day' matters is one of matters of daily routine, of regular business.
The review of whether members were duly elected representatives or not does not readily fit within that concept.
[62] For the reasons given above I am satisfied that there was no basis for the defendants to consider the March election process did not give all members of Hiiona Marae a fair and reasonable opportunity to participate.
[63] Finally, as noted, nor was there any basis for the Chairperson, Mr Tata, to refuse to sign the certificate and forward it to Te Kauhanganui.
[64] It follows that the three last named plaintiffs were duly elected as representatives of the Hiiona Marae to Te Kauhanganui for the period 2012 to 2015. They are not disqualified under rule 5.3.1.
[65] The remaining two issues must follow the outcome of the first two issues. As duly elected representatives of the Hiiona Marae the plaintiffs were entitled to attend the triennial special meeting on 12 February.
The election of Mrs Martin as Chairperson at that meeting is not defective for want of any standing on her part.
[66] The second election of the Hiiona Marae of 26 May 2012 (which the plaintiffs declined to take part in) was of no effect.
The rules of Te Kauhanganui provide that there can only be three representatives.
At the time of the meeting in May 2012 the three last named plaintiffs were duly elected as its representatives.
Result/orders
[67] The plaintiffs are entitled to the orders and declarations they seek, namely:
(a) that the plaintiffs Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa, Mrs Tania Martin and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa have been validly elected to Te Kauhanganui as representatives of Hiiona Marae for 2012–2015;
(b) second-named plaintiff Mrs Tania Martin had standing to be elected as chairperson on 12 February 2012;
(c) that the election or purported election of the third defendants as representatives of Hiiona Marae on Te Kauhanganui was in breach of the rules and unlawful;
(d) to the extent necessary there will be orders setting aside such election or purported election of the third defendants as representatives of Hiiona Marae and members of Te Kauhanganui;
(e) the names of the third defendants are to be removed from the elected members data base of Te Kauhanganui and replaced with the names of the plaintiffs Mr Roimata Whanga-Katipa, Mrs Tania Martin and Ms Donna-Lee Katipa as the validly elected Hiiona Marae representatives for the period 2012 – 2015.
Costs
[68] The plaintiffs having succeeded are prima facie entitled to costs.
Venning J.
Posted by Chris Webster at 4:31 PM
01 October 2012
NO MANDATE exists for citizen roa
Last week the High Court released its decision on the latest bully-boy BS actions of the dysfunctional committee & parekawhia mclean saying the actions they took were in breach of the 2011 Rules & therefore unlawful.
Ipso facto : that ruling also applies to each of the meetings these committee clowns organised - where they sat & BS the people - seeking to endorse themselves with yesterdays newspapers - & where they claimed to have a mandate & at the same time giving the miniature pretender citizen tom roa - a mandate to speak on behalf of the waikato-tainui people - & to pretend to be the negotiator - gag!
this extraordinary claim by citizen roa was borne out in an interview he gave to NZ Herald where he claimed: 'I am the spokesperson for Waikato-Tainui!'
Ah. No. You are not.
You might think you are but you have NO legal mandate to speak for anyone other than you, your family & your shadowy mates.
That is all.
And in order to cease this continuing pretence once & for all - the Minister of Treaty Settlements & the Prime Ministers offices are now in receipt of Venning Js recent decision which validated - YET AGAIN - the legal position of te Kauhanganui chair.
As a lawyer Chris Finalyson will also find ipso facto that citizen roa simply has no clothes.
And so say all of us. And so say all of us.
For we live in a democracy
Where the sun shines down & the winds blow free
And the water is free & living is beautiful
And where natural principles of justice exist & result.
And where malice & vindictiveness are to be exposed & stamped on.
Real hard.
Posted by Chris Webster at 5:13 PM
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Boo hooey ... stamp your foot!
So tuhietia paki - is pissed off that his nominated stooge - has been rejected. .. oh dear ... boo hoo ...
Yesterday a very poorly & badly written panui by anonymous persons who exist in fog & pretence at the office of the maori king - read in part:
OOTK: 'Tribal, and community leaders have come out condemning the Wananga Council Chairs rejection of the Maori King’s nominee for Council representation.'
so the maori king is being ignored ... boo hoooooey .. .
OOTK:
We have seen the legal advice provided by Paul East QC to say that the Council has no grounds to reject a nomination from Kiingi Tuheitia
so the maori king now has the dosh for legal advice from a QC?
so the maori king is now flush with cash & from where pray tell?
OOTK: “ The Kiingitanga holds seats at the Wintec and the University of Waikato Councils and are represented by a mix of Waikato Tainui tribal representatives and the Kings own appointments. It also has a constitutional right to have a representative at the Wananga table.''
Really? And why should anyone give a rats about what the kingitanga wants?
OOTK: ''Representatives at the meeting stated “ We don’t believe the members of Council who voted against accepting the Kings nomination have a true bias against the King’s candidate, we believe they have been purposefully mis- informed about their legal obligation to comply with the constitution.
so the maori king cannot continue with his nepotism & cronyism & kingitanga goon appointments - the 'nodding joe' stooges - that sit on the councils of the universities and other places for the kingitanga ...
Thank goodness for democracy!
Let us rid ourselves of kingitanga pretenders & charlatans
& goons & stooges.
Posted by Chris Webster at 4:54 PM
12 Oct 2012
Tribes await outcome of unity talks
By Yvonne Tahana
5:30 AM Friday Oct 12, 2012
Maori Council and Iwi Leaders Group should go own way if consensus not possible, says Te Arawa leader
[pic]
This could trigger court action against the sales.Delegates to King Tuheitia's summit agreed to strive for unity on the water claims. Photo / Christine Cornege
Representatives from the Maori Council and Iwi Leaders Group have met to discuss a common position on water, and Te Arawa's Toby Curtis believes if that is not possible, the groups should go their own way.
There has been tension between the groups but it was brought into sharper focus at King Tuheitia's water summit last month, where resolutions were passed on unity and to establish a group to set a framework with Government on defining water rights.
The hui also wanted individual iwi to hold off any negotiations on water until that happened, and backed a Maori Council court challenge to halt the float of state-owned enterprises if the talks failed.
But Ngati Tuwharetoa paramount chief Sir Tumu te Heuheu, who chairs the Iwi Leaders Group on Freshwater, emphatically told the Crown that his own iwi had given him the mandate to negotiate on its behalf.
Mr Curtis, also a member of the ILG, said Sir Tumu and Ngai Tahu's Mark Solomon had met the Maori Council's Ken Mair and Sir Eddie Durie in the last two weeks. Iwi leaders were yet to receive a report on the meeting.
"My thinking at this stage is: we're looking at common ground and agreeing on things that we find compatible to both of us.
Those that we can't find [consensus] on, we'll put to the side ... We both have our distinct little contributions and we must allow each other to continue with ... distinct contributions even if the other group is not receptive."
He described the meeting as exploratory in nature.
"We're just playing it low key at the moment. The last thing we want is for people to get overly excited."
Water claims forced back the Government's programme to sell 49 per cent of Mighty River Power until next year. The Maori Council has said it will go to court over the sale, and the timing of that may hinge on when the Government decides to formally remove the company from the State Owned Enterprises Act.
Further fallout for Mighty River Power yesterday included the resignation of independent director Parekawhia McLean, who is also the chief executive of Waikato-Tainui's administrative arm.
What next for the Mighty River Power sale?
* Government officials considering iwi submissions on Shares Plus consultation.
* Deputy Prime Minister Bill English says the Government doesn't believe in the idea, which was mooted by the Waitangi Tribunal and would give iwi directly affected by the sale a special class of shares.
* Government likely to make a call within weeks on whether Shares Plus is workable.
* If Mighty River share sales are to go ahead, the Cabinet has to make an order in council formally moving the company from the State Owned Enterprises Act to the Public Finance Act, which was passed this year.
By Yvonne Tahana Email Yvonne
13 October 2012
Tom Roa invited to resign ...
This is my response to a letter dated 12 October 2012 written & signed by Tom Roa - chair of Te Arataura. He has sent it to Te Kauhanganui officers.
The response is intended for all members of Te Arataura (the committee); Waikato raupatu lands trust manager Parekawhia McLean, Mike Pohio and Tama Potaka at Tainui Group Holdings Ltd.
What is it about High Court decision (25.9.12) that is not understood?
Given the findings / result of Venning J's ruling - it is now irrelevant for the chair to argue / state / purport the ' majority of marae' endorsed the path Te Arataura took to resolve the issue surrounding the Hiiona marae representatives… illustrating the majority's confidence in the choice of Te Arataura to pursue this path.'
The High Court disagreed and issued the attached decision.
The High Court stated the words: 'in breach of the rules and therefore unlawful' - a clear and unambiguous finding.
So why is Tom Roa 'inviting' the TKI officers to resign?
The 'invitation to resign' is most improper especially when it is weighed against the committee's vindictive nature and persecutory culture of 2009-2012 towards the TKI chair and its officers.
Since February 2012 the committee:
Has destroyed its own February declaration of its operating 'principles';
Has spent millions of tribal money on Tuheitia Paki's needs / legal fees / other demands;
Has deliberately ignored its statutory obligations of accurate financial reporting.
Has continued its very bad habit of not declaring government income from government contracts with specific line item details;
Has arbitrarily appointed Robert Tukiri to a company and to a charitable trust;
Has removed the names of two TKI officers from the charitable trust register;
Has failed to pay the TKI chair her honorariums which were approved by Te Kauhanganui.
The committee remains in breach of 2011 Rules as its mandatory ('shall consist' of 11 members) obligations (or lack of) are not met. Therefore the public claims by Tom Roa saying he has a mandate to negotiate and to act as 'leader of Waikato-Tainui' are seriously flawed.
Committee claims 'relationship irreparable'.
In the letter Tom Roa writes the 'relationship between TKI officers is irreparable'.
Yet he does not explain how this observation was reached. Nor does the letter contain or suggest ways to fix it or explanations as to how this occurred – EXCEPT by 'inviting' TKI officers to resign.
The 2011 Rules are in place for a reason where both TKI and TAA each have a role in the convening and conduct of meetings. TKI officers have been sanctioned by Te Kauhanganui do to their tasks.
It therefore begs the question: Why is the committee exhibiting such unconscionable behaviour?
As a matter of fundamental natural justice (TKI officers who are being unduly pressured to resign) full details and reasons of what is to being alleged against them must be provided so that they can be ready to meet the allegations. There can be few circumstances in which it would be right to condone a different approach.
The implication is should the TKI officers not resign is that Te Kauhanganui would suffer a 'serious breach'. But Tom Roa has failed to provide an explanation or detail.
The tone of this letter is both sanctimonious and condemning.
It also contains an undercurrent threat: 'should you not resign' … would be successfully argued as undue influence.
During the High Court hearing reference was made to the 'principles of natural justice'.
These principles are found in the NZ Bill of Rights 1990 which states: 'every one has the right to justice and the right to a fair hearing by an un-biased decision-maker'.
It is highly unlikely the committee would meet this standard.
Tom Roa has stated the 'relationship is irreparable'.
He may wish to consider two alternatives.
The High Court has an inherent jurisdiction to examine this proposition.
Axiomatically your resignations would suffice.
Posted by Chris Webster at 10:51 PM
Maori leaders seek iwi consent on challenge to Mighty River sale
By Adam Bennett
5:30 AM Wednesday Oct 17, 2012
The Maori Council is seeking to build a $400,000 war chest to block the Government's partial sale of Mighty River Power but Maori leaders last night said they had to take the request to their iwi for consideration.
Following a series of meetings yesterday, the council, representatives of the Maori King and various hapu and iwi had reached the view that Maori had no choice but to seek review of the Government's decision to press on with the sale.
The council hoped "to turn this into a final decision before the end of the week", it said, but added "it also remains for the New Zealand Maori Council to determine the source of funding to bring this matter before the courts".
The Herald understands council co-chairman Sir Edward Durie has set a budget of $400,000 for the court challenge. Council solicitor Felix Geiringer said that, given the range of groups interested in proceeding with the court action, "there's a very good chance the funding will be there".
"There are one or two groups that have sufficient wealth to help fund it, the problem is not all of the groups are equally wealthy."
Article continues below
Te Rarawa chairman Haami Piripi said he would advocate supporting the council's claim but the decision would be made by the iwi.
Te Arawa's Toby Curtis said he expected Te Arawa would be approached, but "it is not our decision to make at the committee level, we have to go back to the iwi and seek their endorsement".
Mr Curtis would not say whether he would advocate in favour of supporting the council, but "the mere fact that we're meeting to seek the endorsement of the people - that's almost an advocacy role anyway, but we don't verbalise it".
Mr Geiringer said it would "devastating" if the legal challenge were to fail because of lack of funds.
He said it was not yet decided whether the council would progress its action in the High Court or the Court of Appeal.
By Adam Bennett Email Adam
22 November 2012
Citizen Tuheitia Paki coup d'etat
This is IT!
OPEN LETTER from TUHEITIA PAKI
TO ALL TRIBAL MEMBERS OF WAIKATO TAINUI
19 November 2012
My point is that over and above my typical appointments, some things will drop out from my week that push buttons for me and make me think again or re-visit an issue that was lying dormant. When this happens, it is my obligation to work it through and make a decision, especially if it affects the Kiingitanga and my tribe.
From that perspective, I have concluded the following issues which I have noted as highlights in this letter and I ask you to consider and respect my conclusions. You don’t have to agree as some normally don’t but consider the prospects before writing these issues off.
You have the choice to do what you think best like I do. My role is to seek harmony, peace, whanaungatanga, progress, prosperity for all and Wairua sustenance through Paimarire.
This is what I am committed to in my Charter and this is what my vision for the next 20 years is based on. I have sent the Charter out among you; I have assigned the job of promoting and speaking to my Charter to various people. Seek it out and make a point of reading it.
No reirara e Te Iwi,
Paimarire Tuheitia Paki
POINT A: I had a deep sense of despair at that initial Hui as it was clear that the personalities were going to collide and in my mind there appeared to be no greater purpose that would carry these two above the obvious clashes that I sensed would happen in the future. Some time later, Tuku was subsequently removed as the Chairman of Te Arataura and from the conflict.
It is however obvious that Tuku was not the centre of the problem as some promoted and still promote. With the benefit of hindsight, Tuku was basically in the way of a deliberate and organized power grab, and he was quickly replaced with the present leadership of Te Arataura who are now spending more tribal funds to fight with Tania Martin and others.
Te Arataura and Te Kauhanganui executive members are talking past each other and are refusing to meet and reconcile their differences. Both sides continue to consult their lawyers and the promises of responsible and sound leadership by both parties are both empty and meaningless.
Waikato Tainui deserves better leadership and we are certainly not getting what we expected. When will the in-fighting stop and when will we stop trying to sort out our issues in the Courts?
POINT B: Because I have been updated and informed regularly from day one, I have some degree of understanding and knowledge of this entire saga. I assert that the remaining 90% of the 62,000 tribal beneficiaries know absolutely nothing of what has and continues to happen within the two organizations and amongst its leadership.
When are both parties going to include our tribal members and give them a real voice through either a referendum or a Hui a Iwi that they fund to help our people to attend.
As leader of Kiingitanga, I will spend the next 12 months working with our people on Kiingitanga & the Tribes Kaupapa. We must not pick and choose who we work with; our duty is to work for the good of all our people.
I recently called a Hui to Nationalize the Water debate and 1300 plus people turned up. Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura called a Hui a Iwi and you barely got 100 people.
What is deeply disappointing is that some of the Te Arataura leadership didn’t even turn up at the last Hui a Iwi. Holding positions on Te Arataura is not a right, it is a duty to serve our people and given they are well paid they should work for the privilege.
POINT D: The case brought against my Mother the Queen solved nothing for Waikato Tainui. Look at it today. The fallout gave a handful of people a false sense of skill, ability, and mana as they moved to lead the people.
More damaging to us as a tribe, was the misconception that they done it for and were mandated by the people. This is still happening today, in the name of our Iwi.
All of you who proclaim leadership by mandate, I challenge you to come out from behind your pens and stand on the Marae where you can face our people and put your case. Do this for no fees or costs and do it on your own instead of with Lawyers and QC’s.
The people give you the mandate and they expect you to be accountable for all your actions
POINT F: As the Paramount Chief of this tribe and Leader of the Kiingitanga, I refresh my mandate each year at Koroneihana, giving all of you the opportunity to challenge or dispute my role and position.
Of all leaders in Maoridom, I am the one only person in the one only institution that has to do this and it has been done for 157 years. I challenge those of you in leadership positions in Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura, to refresh your mandate and go back to your people.
For those of you who are perpetuating ongoing fights and imposing costs on us that go with the fights, I demand you step down immediately and cease imposing your will over the majority of this tribe and its people.
I have spoken openly about the fact that if I had the authority and power to dissolve Te Kauhanganui and conversely Te Arataura, I would have three (3) years ago. I am looking three (3) years ahead now and there is no way that I am going to remain silent and stand aside to allow dysfunctionality to continue.
I will not be judged by my people for my in-action, when I am capable of acting even though my actions may be seen as intrusive, I want to know in my heart that I tried. The leadership of Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura has been reckless and shameful.
Many of you inside and outside of Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura have all made judgments of me, my decisions, my behavior, my words, my appearance, my children, my wife, my office and my staff.
I have continued to try to correct and improve myself regardless of your criticisms. These are challenging times and I too must up skill and be vigilant about how to prepare for the future.
I now challenge those in leadership positions, executive board members and tribal staff to deliver for the tribe, our people and Kiingitanga. Show us by actions not empty promises that you are deserving of your job with the tribe.
POINT H: I have given approval and support to Tuku Morgan to contest the position of Chairman of Te Kauhanganui. He has the full support of the Whare Ariki and Office of the Kiingitanga.
I have asked once again, for Tania Martin and her Officers to stand down from their positions. I am also asking Te Arataura members to do the same.
I have asked that both Te Kauhanganui and Te Arataura refresh their mandates with their people and Marae at a new election.
I have asked for a referendum across all tribal Beneficiaries regarding the future of this tribe and its organizations.
I have asked that the fighting stop, the wasting of resources cease immediately, and a sense of normal be reinstated back into the organizations.
Comment:
Roll on Sunday's meeting @ Hopuhopu 25 November 2012
Posted by Chris Webster at 10:59 AM
23 November 2012
rangi whakaruru swirling fog ...
Ho hum - look what arrived out of the swirling fog of the waikato river
'heigh ho! heigh ho!
its off to court they go
without just cause
without telling what they said.
.. tsk .. tsk .. tsk ...
From: Rangi W [Rangi.W@kiingitanga.corn]
Sent: Sunday, 11 November 20121:35 p.m.
Subject: Kiingitanga Submission - Request for Confidentiality
Teena koe
I have been away for several days and currently in my office catching up on business.Further to my last email sent to you on the 7 November 2012 at 6.11am, I did not see or receive a response from you in relation to my preference seeking your agreement to keep the Kiingitanga Submission confidential.
This has caused me some concern and I am compelled to explain and lay out the difficulties and issues around my concern.
1. At the time the submission was made, I sought very precisely, to have the entire submission kept confidential. You however came back to me saying that you were limited in your ability to accommodate my request. Again on the 7 November 2012 at 6.11ann, I further reiterated my request, which I must say was quite clear in terms of my wish for the submission to remain confidential.
2. At the time the submission was made and due to the little time we had to make the submission, this office had not completed its obligations to enter into a formal consultation process with the whole of the Kiingitanga including all of the River Iwi. This process included all of the Iwi and Kiingitanga stakeholders having input or opinions on the submission or any part of the content of the submission. As in all cases, this submission cannot be considered binding on any hapu or Iwi of the River, as they have not had a chance or opportunity to consider it.
I requested the accommodation for confidentiality knowing that our process was not going to be a short one.
I am seeking your absolute assurance and agreement at your earliest opportunity, stating that this submission will remain confidential in all respects as I originally requested.
This submission as its stands is not representative of the views of the Hapu and Iwi of the Waikato River.
Because of my concerns, I have copied the Legal Advisors into this email as well.
Regards.
Te Rangihiroa (Rangi) Whakaruru I Principal Private Secretary to Kiingi Tuheitia I Secretary to the Kiingitanga
Contacts: +64 21 02500424 I Office: +64 7 824 7678 I Fax: +64 7 834 4881
Primary Email: rangi.w@ I Website:
Addresses:
Turongo House I P.O Box 63 Ngaruawahia 3742, NEW ZEALAND
Turangawaewae House I 2 Eyre Street Ngaruawahia, NEW ZEALAND
EXHIBIT NOTE
This is the annexure marked referred to in the affidavit and sworn
A Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
Judged ...
High Court proceedings challenging the government's partial privatisation of MRP commenced this morning & immediately faced strong questioning from the presiding judge, Justice Ronald Young.
Appearing for the Waikato River & Dams Claims Trust (read TUKU MORGAN & KINGITANGA) & the Pouakani Claims Trust: Helen Cull QC argued that Maori claims to water & land rights could not be adequately protected once MRP was removed from SOE Act & placed under a new law covering the so-called 'Mixed Ownership Model' companies.
G wants to sell up to 49 per cent of MRP & two other SOE companies, but plans to mount the MRP sale in 2012 were derailed by objections originally brought by NZMC.
The council is due to make its submissions tomorrow before Crown lawyers respond in hearings that may take all week & are expected to go to appeal irrespective of the outcome.
The government hopes formal consultations already undertaken will convince the courts there are no grounds for further challenge to its asset sales policy & that a sale can occur in the second quarter of next year, subject to favourable market conditions.
Cull argued the provisions of legislation covering MOM companies & purporting to protect Maori interests in freshwater suffered from being less complete than SOE Act protections & that the partially privatised company would be commercially motivated to oppose claims lodged under the Treaty of Waitangi.
Justice Young pushed back strongly in several exchanges with Cull saying he could not understand the argument given that the legislation explicitly assures Maori that the Crown would continue to be liable for settlement of such claims.
Justice Young: 'You are really saying Parliament isn't sovereign, that it is subject to the commercial interests of people involved with MRP. But Parliament changed the operating environment for companies 'all the time.'
He discouraged Cull from pursuing evidence of difficulties being experienced by some applicants to lodge such claims, saying that was not relevant to the provisions of the relevant statute.
Justice Young: 'If the statute says it's protected, it's protected. The reassurance about the ability to continue pursuing Treaty of Waitangi claims was in the MOM legislation. 'Shareholders can't object. They know the statute exists.
The combative court environment continued after the morning break.
Justice Young: 'Any Maori, hapu or iwi, who believe they have rights to water, can make a claim to the Waitangi Tribunal, irrespective of this. There is a mechanism in response to arguments from Cull that there was insufficient protection for assets that are or could in the future be subject to treaty claims. You identify a right & file a claim with the Waitangi Tribunal or negotiate a settlement. '
Cull argued there was no guarantee of relevant redress for claimants under the MOM process.
[pic]
ROUGH RIDE TO NOWHERE
Posted by Chris Webster at 8:41 PM
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Gloating manipulating pretender
Citizen paki pleased Tania Martin stood down
The Maori King says he is pleased Tania Martin was stood down as the chair of the Waikato-Tainui parliament after a meeting of the tribe's leadership on Sunday.
Mrs Martin was demoted at a lengthy meeting of TKI after being accused (without evidence) of bringing the parliament into disrepute.
In a statement today citizen paki said the decision to remove Mrs Martin was the right one. He congratulated the tribal parliament for taking what he called a difficult step. He said it was a giant leap towards lessening division within the tribe and hopefully ending costly litigation.
Citizen Paki said he hoped members would accept the decision without recourse to court action.
Mrs Martin was demoted following a critical letter scribbled by hench-citizens morgan & whakaruru) but purportedly 'written' by the Ngaruawahia pretender urging infighting between the tribe's parliament and tribal executive to stop.
Paki has called for members of both the tribal parliament and executive to step down and seek re-election.
Waikato-Tainui parliament leader stood down
Waikato-Tainui parliament chair Tania Martin has been stood down from her role, accused by the tribe's leadership of bringing the iwi into disrepute.
Morgan seeking return to Tainui leadership
Prominent Tainui figure Tukoroirangi Morgan says he will seek a return to the iwi's leadership at a hui this weekend.
Maori King calls for tribal leadership to step down
The Maori King wants his tribal leaders to step down from their roles and to seek re-election from Waikato-Tainui people.
[pic]
GLOATING MANIPULATOR
Posted by Chris Webster at 8:35 PM
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Leadership and grace wins
Tania Martin - head of Waikato-Tainui TKI has been stood down from her role as chair after two marae accused her (without evidence) of bringing TKI into disrepute.
Totally inappropriate pretender as chair
Prior to the ballot being taken (the totally inappropriate greg miller was appointed as a 'so-called independent' chair. He bullied & blustered his way & interferred & interjected during Mrs Martin's defence statement.
As the 'pretend independent chair' giggled & jeered & urged people - displaying a shocking lack of respect & professionalism. Both he & hori need a jolly good bath & to brush their teeth - their personal hygiene is just revolting.
Constructive dismissal
Had this been a proper company - the illegal pressure on Tania Martin & Ani Capper and Bill Takerei to 'resign or we sack you' - would be interpreted as a constructive dismissal & sueable in a court of law.
The two marae protractors (awa & kumar) showed o understanding of the law, had no evidence in support & demanded that people 'tick the box' to disqualify. But hey what else would you expect from hyena's?
Beware of dark forces
People who have ambition to be future chair & officers beware. If you seek transparency & or ask questions - guess what!
Yep - you will be kicked out the door on trumped-up charges.
Grace & Dignity
Tania Martin stood above it as did Ani & Bill They all refused to resign on principle as none had done anything wrong or illegal or improper. They wanted accountability & transparency.
All three were exact & principled & refused to be bullied into resigning.
Well done Tania, Ani & Bill. Thank you all for your service & commitment during these past 9 months.
citizen paki's rave-up
Carried in by the fog of the waikato river was a 7-page rave-up scribbled together by citizen paki & his paepae jester whakaruru - where they criticised fighting between the tribe's two leadership groups & called for members of the parliament & executive to step down & seek re-election.
The blatherings prompted some marae reps to publicly swear allegiance to the Ngaruawahia pretender. Some marae accepted it & made no further comment. Some marae critized the way it had arrived. Others were upset that it was not mailed to all registered members & that it had been sent first to the media.
Vote influenced
Its arrival & subsequent debate certainly influenced the outcome of the which resulted in Ms Martin being disqualified as an elected member of TKI - which has subsequent effect as she loses her role as chair of TKI.
Ballot outcome
57 marae voted in the ballot. The 2011 Rules require a resolution to achieve 50 % of the total marae votes - that is half of the total marae registered as members of TKI.
The votes were: 36 marae voted to remove Mrs Martin. 25 Marae voted to remove Bill Takerei & 24 marae voted to remove Ani Capper. Whilst Ani & Bill were not removed they have resigned their positions as TKI Officers.
Mrs Martin's spokesperson told Radio New Zealand's Morning Report program she rejects accusations she bought the iwi into disrepute. Chris Webster says Mrs Martin sought accountability & transparency in tribal spending.
TRANSPARENCY NOT CONTROVERSY
Morgan natural dysfunctional behaviour
Tukoroirangi Morgan plans to contest the parliament's chairmanship & says he's certain that if an election goes ahead he'll be re-appointed saying the two leadership groups are dysfunctional & he would aim to restore order within Waikato-Tainui.'
He has certainly exhibited a dysfunctional nature during his time on the dysfunctional & corrupt committee.
The KPMG financial review is evidence & proof that this occured & which included the raiding the tribe's coffers & allowed milions of dollars of settlement monies (grants? yeah right) to be lodged in citizen paki's private charitable trust.
Morgan & Whakaruru both wrote secret submissions behind the backs of the people - relating to the water ownership issue & SOE shares. They are in court in Wellington today pretending to represent Waikato-Tainui's interest.
Heaven help the country if these two g& their pretender mates get their way & have water rights assigned to their trust on behalf 'of our people' - Gag!
Posted by Chris Webster at 1:25 PM
26 November 2012
Veto dreams of nightmares
Radionz reports:
Dumped chair of te arataura plans to stand for the role of the tribe's parliament chair - saying he wants to change the way the tribe is governed so the Maori King has the final say over tribal decisions.
(WHAT? Never going to happen! Time to bring in the serious fraud squad & the auditor-general).
Tania Martin was stood down as head of the Waikato-Tainui parliament following a vote of the tribe's leadership groups at the weekend. She was accused of bringing the parliament into disrepute - a charge she rejects.
Her demotion follows a letter by the Maori King which called for squabbling between the tribal parliament and the tribe's executive to cease.
Dumped citizen morgan says he has decided to stand for the position of parliament chair at next month's AGM. He says tribal leaders need to put aside their egos & instead focus on the people and the tribe's future.
[Morgan lives on ego - he thrives on ego - his ego is so tarnished - he does not see it or want to admit it.]
Morgan says if he's elected he'll work towards making changes to the tribe's constitution.
[citizens roa & rau are busy doing that now to protect their butts.
these two have engaged lawyers stace hammond to review the 2011 rules
these two hero's are seeking to have rule 16.2 reinstated which gives the committee 'vested control & authority' -
that is absolute control & authority over ALL decisions
-which will result in-
• no requirement for taa to seek agreement from marae members
• no consultation with anyone apart from with their 9 members
• that equals no accountability (as usual)
• no transparency (so what is new) and
• no reporting of decisions (until months after the fact) and of course
• no responsibility when the banks move in to protect their financial interests.
citizen morgan says members must never be able to go to court with tribal issues & citizen paki should be given the right to veto or dissolve a tribal parliament.
[And democracy will no longer exist within the organisation - it will be banned after bringing morgan and paki into disrepute.
[citizen paki to 'be in charge of a veto' & [to dissolve a tribal parliament].
WTF does citizen paki think he is? if he wants play monopoly with our money & land & other resources - then buy himself a game from the $3.00 shop where his wife buys her bling.
The idea floated by morgan is a joke & outrageous -
citizen paki needs to go & the kingitanga need a boot up the backside for its greed & demands.
Time to bring in the serious fraud squad. Time to look behind those flaxen screens they hide behind.
In a statement Mrs Martin said she does not agree that one person should have the capacity to dissolve an organisation especially a body responsible for managing a tribal asset base that belongs to the people.'
Te Manu Korihi News for 27 November 2012
A former head of the Waikato-Tainui executive is putting his hand up for the role of the tribe's parliament chair because he says he wants to put an end to tribal infighting;
26 November 2012
triple corruption
Coup de'tat - triple cross - ides of March - hell of peking - let loose the hyena's of greed
citizen paki is to get greg miller to resign and
citizen paki is to select tuku morgan his protector in te kauhanganui and ultimately te arataura
this 'decision by citizen paki' - yeah right - is a roll out of the restructuring plan that roa stopped in the high court in 2008
the restructuring plan observed that citizen paki would sit like a goblin of the mud-heap on top of the tribal money purse
under the goblin of the mud-heap would be the newly appointed paepae dweller and
together with the globlin of the mud-heap having absolute control and veto over all the tribal spending
the corruption is now visible and being paraded on the paepae without shame or secrecy
and democracy will be buried under the tikinga of kingitanga
well you get what you voted for ..
Posted by Chris Webster at 11:45 AM
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25 November 2012
Kingitanga secert HC affidavit ..
IN THE HIGH COURT OF NEW ZEALAND
WELLINGTON REGISTRY
An Application for Review
UNDER The Judicature Amendment Act 1972 Part 1
The State Owned Enterprises Act 1986, and
The Public Finance Act 1989.
BETWEEN WAIKATO RIVER AND DAMS CLAIM TRUST, by its representatives. TUKOROIRANGI MORGAN, representing the Kingitanga (Māori King Movement); RICHARD TE POU MINHINNICK, representing Ngati Te Ata; MRS KAREPE EDWARDS, representing Ngati Koroki-Kahukura; TAMATI CAIRNS, representing Pouakani, JOSEPH HURIHANGANUI, representing Tuhourangi Ngati Wahiao, BILL GALVIN, representing Ngati Tahu-Whaoa, PETER TUKITERANGI CLARKE, representing Ngati Hineure - Applicant
AND HER MAJESTY’S ATTORNEY-GENERAL - First Respondent
MINISTER OF FINANCE AND MINISTER OF STATE OWNED ENTERPRISES -
Second Respondents
____________________________________________________________
SECOND AFFIDAVIT OF TUKOROIRANGI MORGAN IN SUPPORT OF THE WAIKATO RIVER AND DAMS CLAIM TRUST
Dated November 2012
I, Tukoroirangi Morgan of Auckland, iwi facilitator swear:
1. This is my second affidavit in these proceedings. I am responding to certain of the evidence in the affidavits now filed for the Crown, as identified below.
2. The thrust of my evidence is that to the best of my knowledge, Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group and the Iwi Leaders Forum have not proposed or supported any course of action contrary to the position agreed at the King’s Ngaruawahia Hui on 13 Sep that the framework for the expression of mana, including proprietary rights in particular water bodies, must be settled before the MOM sale of shares and before hapu and iwi enter into negotiations with the Crown on water resource issues.
3. I was a member of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group when it was constituted. As noted in the affidavit of Christopher White of 7 November at para 33, it was constituted for the development of a Treaty based engagement with Maori on water management options.
4. However, in the course of that engagement the Crown declined to discuss issues of Maori customary, proprietary interests and took the position that such interests as Maori had were in the maintenance of environmental qualities.
I understood the Crown’s position to be that Maori rights and interests could be met through management regimes. I did not and still do not agree with that position but I was unable to shift the Crown from its presumption that the issue was about management only and had nothing to do with the recognition of customary, proprietary interests.
5. Having regard to the focus on management it appeared to me that when government raised the question of Maori participation in the MOM share offers, in January 2012, the issue had little to do with the purposes of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group. It appeared to me that the iwi leaders were simply being approached to invest their funds in the government share offer.
6. As Mr White has said (at para 47) only two of the four invited iwi leaders attended the meeting with government: Mark Solomon and me. The meeting appeared to be about investment opportunities for iwi. I pulled back from consideration of the matter leaving it to Mr Solomon to ascertain the government proposals and to advise.
7. Mr White has described how a further group considered the investment opportunity, comprised of Mr Solomon as chair, Sir Tumu, Apirana Mahuika, Tom Roa, Sonny Tau and Tiwha Puketapu (para 49).
All but one of these has been in receipt of substantial settlement funds and the remaining one can reasonably expect a substantial settlement in the near future.
8. As a decision to invest is a decision for each iwi there was nothing significant to come out of the discussions in my view, other than a proposal enabling some iwi who have yet to settle, to participate in share acquisitions on account of settlements which can reasonably be expected in time.
9. As Mr White has noted (paras 51-53) the matter was investigated and reported on to the Iwi Chairs Forum on 14 Sep. I was present and do not recall that the matter was discussed in any detail.
There was simply a very large report containing provisions for iwi-yet-to-settle to buy shares from out of their own funds if they wished provided they met certain criteria about the prospects of a settlement with an appropriately mandated group.
10. There were no reasons for anyone to oppose this since it merely enabled iwi who might qualify to invest in the government proposal if they wished to. Indeed it appeared to me that this proposal must have a particular attraction to iwi-yet-to-settle since it would enable them to receive something in the hand sooner rather than later and to join the ranks of the iwi that have long been endowed.
11. However I object to any inference from Mr White’s evidence that this was in some way an endorsement of the proposed MOM shares sales. It was not. It conformed entirely to the position consistently take by iwi leaders that it is not for a few iwi leaders to decide matters for all iwi.
Their task is rather to facilitate outcomes that would enable or assist all iwi to make their own decisions as to what they wished to do.
12. In this case all that was facilitated was the capacity of individual iwi to invest in the MOM share sales if they wished, in the event that the MOM share sales in fact proceeded.
13. I am also not aware that the resolution was signed by some 41 iwi leaders. I am aware only that an attendance sheet had to be signed on entry to the Hui in accordance with our usual practices.
14. I therefore consider that Mr White has overstated the position and that it is not in fact a resolution in support of the government proposals for the sale of shares without prior settlement of a framework for determination of Maori customary, proprietary interests in particular water bodies.
15. I refer now to the affidavit of Simon William English (dated 7 Nov 2012) and in particular:
• his acknowledgement 'that Maori have rights and interests in water and geothermal resources' (para 28);
• his concern to develop 'a freshwater framework that appropriately recognises the interests and aspirations of iwi' (para 18);
• his concern for an engagement with Iwi Leaders which 'includes ‘rights and interests’ among the core issues for discussion' (para 35.3) and includes 'broad consultation with iwi/Maori at a national level' (para 36);
• his opinion that appropriate recognition for Maori rights and interests in water and geothermal resources has been firmly on the agenda of discussions since early in 2009 when those discussions began (para 39); and
• His opinion that on-going settlement negotiations are also used to acknowledge the mana, rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga of claimant groups in natural resources (para 43).
16. I do not doubt that these views are sincerely held by Hon Mr English but say on the basis of my long experience in Crown – Maori negotiations that this is another case where Crown and Maori are talking past each other, on the basis of different understandings of cultural rights.
17. I believe that Maori have an understanding of waterways based upon a concept of mana over territorial resources coupled with a long history of particular usages.
18. I also believe that the Crown has approached Maori rights in this case on the basis of Tribunal findings on Maori concerns for the maintenance of pure water regimes, but without reference to other Tribunal findings that Maori have proprietary interests in these regimes.
19. In particular I refer to my previous affidavit of 8 November on my involvement in earlier negotiations with the Crown, my evidence that Maori and the Crown could not agree on the nature of Maori interests in the Waikato River and that in the end Crown and Maori had to agree, as recorded in the settlement legislation, that we disagreed over the nature of our interests in the river and that that matter would be deferred.
20. It concerns me then that Hon Mr English continues to talk of Maori interests as though they related to environmental management. His opinion that on-going settlement negotiations are used to acknowledge the mana, rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga of claimant groups in natural resources, flies in the face of our agreement that the nature and extent of those rights have not been determined.
The real risk is that Maori will effectively agree to the extinguishment of their rights without a proper agreement on what those rights are, in order to secure a settlement of their historical and contemporary claims.
21. That concern points to the importance of the resolution at the King’s Hui, that the framework for determining proprietary rights in particular water bodies must be settled before the MOM sale of shares and before hapu and iwi enter into negotiations with the Crown on water resource issues.
22. Accordingly, in all the Honourable members concerns for the proper recognition of Maori interests, I have found we are talking of different things. Where I think ‘proprietary’ he thinks ‘management’.
23. My evidence then is that from the outset of the formation of the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group I have sought recognition of Maori proprietary interests in water.
After all, that is the perspective passed down to the Waikato people from those leaders who have now passed on. It is a kaupapa which I could not give away. The question is simply how that customary perspective should be provided for today when other people now share the land.
24. Government however has never allowed the topic of ownership or proprietary rights to reach the table. Throughout the discussions, the Crown has been dealt with the issue entirely in environmental management terms.
25. Policy on the management of water resources and the restoration of water quality is very important for Maori. Iwi leaders have made good progress on that matter.
However, working within a restricted framework does not mean that Iwi Leaders are comfortable with that framework and are not in fact seeking a broader outcome.
26. Tied to the recognition of Maori interests in water resources is the government opinion that the sale of shares need not prevent the recognition of Maori interests later. Again, this does not assist the questions of whether those interests are proprietary or confer only an interest in management.
For example, if Maori have proprietary interests in certain waterways used by power companies, such that they could charge for the use of it, they are not affected by the sale for the bill is still sent to the same company.
27. The better view in my opinion is that all people are entitled to know of any risks that they face in buying shares, by a proper determination of a rights framework before the shares are sold.
28. Equally, Maori are entitled to know what their rights are, or how they might be determined, before they are asked to compromise or give away such rights in order to settle their Treaty claims.
29. I wish to refer briefly to the affidavit of Sandra Helen Cook on behalf of Ngai Tahu. Ngai Tahu seeks the resolution of its interests in the reform of the management regime. I do not see the resolution of proprietary interests and participation in management regimes as mutually exclusive. I see them as co-existing.
30. I have been asked to comment on a confidential submission provided to Treasury by Mr Te Rangihiroa Whakaruru and dated 3 October 2012. This submission was given to me by Mr Whakaruru and is written on the letterhead of the Office of the Kingitanga.
31. The submission has yet to go before the rigorous question and debating forum of the Kingitanga Iwi and Hapu which includes the Waikato-Tainui Iwi and Hapu.
I know there will be diverging views within the forum about the submission, for example I and my own Hapu do not agree with paragraphs 7.2 and 7.8 of Mr Whakaruru’s submission.
Other individuals and their hapu will have other views. Until that rigorous question and debating forum has occurred, the submission can be attributed only to Mr Whakaruru, individual. It does not bind or represent the interests of Kingitanga Iwi and Hapu, which includes Waikato-Tainui Iwi and Hapu.
32. I believe my views are shared by Mr Whakaruru because he gave me a copy of an email sent to Mr White of Treasury dated 11 November 2012).
We are both saying our internal Kingitanga (Waikato-Tainui) processes of consultation have a long way to run before the submission can be called binding. The process requires each Hapu to give their prior consent and agreement.
33. I was a member of the Iwi Leaders Working Party on Water. This included oversight of the Fresh Start for Fresh Water project.
34. I can categorically state that Fresh Start for Fresh Water has never addressed Maori proprietary interests in fresh water and geothermal resources. The issues of iwi rights and interests were not the focus of that forum.
This is confirmed in the recent Fresh Start for Fresh Water report dated April 2012 at paragraph 128.
Sworn at this day of November 2012 before me
_____________________
Tukoroirangi Morgan
____________________________________
A Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand
Posted by Chris Webster at 8:49 PM
Waikato-Times reports: EXECUTIVE UNDER PRESSURE
Waikato-Tainui's executive could be next in the firing line following the departure of the chair of the tribal parliament.
Mrs Tania Martin (WT TKI chair) was stood down from her position after an all-day hui on Sunday. At the AGM on 8 Dec committee members will come under the same pressure.
[Make it so!]
Both incidents follow rumblings from citizen paki criticising the tribe's 'infighting' calling for TAA & Mrs Martin to stand down & backing his own spokesman Tuku Morgan as her replacement.
citizen paki made mention of his power to dissolve both bodies & said: 'There is no way I am going to . . . stand aside to allow dysfunctionality to continue.'
[The creator & practiser of dysfunction speaks from experience.
Oh and BTW he has NO LEGAL POWER TO DO ANYTHING except pay his taxes].
Tuku Morgan: 'king's endorsement was both an honour & an opportunity for change. The tribe continues to be dysfunctional. That is a major concern for me. We have to change the manner in which the tribe is doing business . . . it's inappropriate. It has to stop I absolutely agree with the king. I am humbled to get [his] support.'
[O lord it is hard to be humble.]
The 'dysfunction' they spoke of referred to other calls for Mrs Martin to stand down that came from within the tribe.
In Sep members of TKI & executive spent hundreds of thousands of dollars in court disputing Mrs Martin's appointment as chair which the judge found to be legitimate. The following month Te Arataura chair Tom Roa wrote to Mrs Martin & her officers asking them to stand down which they refused.
However after a majority vote at Sunday's meeting. Mrs Martin was disqualified for 'bringing or being likely to bring TKI into disrepute'.
Committee chair citizen roa: 'king's letter was not the reason for the vote but it 'had an impact' & he agreed TKI leadership had been found wanting over the past few years. I feel for the king that he felt a need to take a strong stand for the good of his people. Perhaps with this present decision things will improve that's what I'm looking forward to. That the power struggle is settled & we move into a new year in a different space.
[Gee what happened to the 2008 High Court action that citizen roa took against the same two parties citizens paki & morgan. Is citizen roa now regretting that democractic decision?]
However Mrs Martin's spokeswoman Chris Webster said there was no evidence provided against Mrs Martin & the vote was only swung by two marae votes. She also said those at Sunday's meeting were not in support of Tuku Morgan coming 'in the back door' to the chair. They pretty much all said that. Tuku Morgan's got the king in his pocket & the king's got Tuku in his.
[Fame at last!].
Citizen roa: issue would be settled at Waikato-Tainui's AGM on 8 Dec & he would 'stand gracefully aside if TKI that'.
Posted by Chris Webster at 2:20 PM
radionz reports: PROOF OF HYPOCRISY
The head of the Waikato-Tainui executive is confronting his accusers - demanding they provide proof that his tribal arm has brought the iwi into disrepute.
[What? Huh? run that by us again. Proof? Evidence? What is that? TAA loves being a permanent glass house dweller.
Its orchestrated persecution against Tania Martin since late 2010 is legendary. As is / was its lack of proof that she supposedly wronged TKI].
citizen roa taa chair says he has written to the two marae that have levelled the accusations.
[SO it was Ok for citizen roa & his cronies to sit on their hands on sunday & permit the hostile crap from awa & kumar to dishonor the chair without proof or evidence.
SO it was Ok for citizen roa & his underground dwellers to support sunday's kangaroo paepae without a shred of evidence or proof being supplied?]
He says his group has done well servicing the people in the eight month's since the executive panel was elected.
[So the people have been 'serviced'? What? Huh? How about those so-called 'principles' that taa scribbled on toilet paper - you know - those insincere & false platitudes that fell out of the mouth of citizen papa - BTW where is hiding - & which the committee itself flushed away?
citizen roa's 9-person dysfunctional committee tripped up & decided it did not need permission to do anything - but carried on as though it & only it (that is 9-people) would decide what 60,000+ other members wanted.
citizen roa & his mates worked in secret - gave jobs to their mates & showed they do not understand basic arithmetic through poor & inaccurate financial reporting & sought to condemn the chair for all kinds of imagined nonsense & interferring with the marae processes - culminating in
oh yes - the ultimate proof - the High Court determined :
that the committee & citizen mclean acted in breach of the rules & their action were therefore unlawful.
On Sunday Tania Martin lost her role as chair of the tribal parliament, after being accused of bringing the parliament into disrepute. The fate of executive members is due to be discussed at the AGM early next month.
ROA DEMANDS
Posted by Chris Webster at 11:38 AM
Waikato-Tainui politician accepts removal vote
By Yvonne Tahana
2:02 PM Tuesday Nov 27, 2012
[pic]
Expand
Tania Martin. Photo / Maori Television.
The woman who King Tuheitia wanted removed from tribal office says she accepts the iwi's vote against her and won't contest it in the courts.
But the removal sets up a scenario which could see Tuku Morgan voted in as the tribal chairman of Te Kauhanganui, or parliament, in the same year the institution failed to support his bid to re-election to the tribe's executive board Te Arataura.
Ms Martin faced a motion that she'd bought the house into disrepute on Sunday, with 36 of 57 marae voting in in favour. It meant she was removed as chairwoman and also as a member of Te Kauhanganui.
Tuheitia had taken the unprecedented step of writing to the wider tribe asking for officers to stand down after years of infighting. The weekend's vote successfully accomplished what the king could not in 2010 when he fired her after she'd raised concerns about spending.
That earlier dumping proved to be outside of the rules but Ms Martin, 50, said she accepted this outcome. She said the letter has an impact on how the vote went.
"I just think in terms of fairness and unfair advantages ...I [am] disappointed at the way it was done. There's some good, honest people in the house. I think I've had an impact - some of our iwi have woken up to what was happening."
If Mr Morgan was returned to a leadership role she "didn't have much confidence" that infighting would stop.
The instability looks set to continue. Te Arataura chairman Tom Roa said the parliament is to vote on whether his board should be removed next month.
"There is a power struggle and that resolution to remove the Arataura is on December the 8th."
In his letter last week Tuheitia criticised Mr Roa and other board members including Kingi Porima and Hemi Rau for previous court action against his late mother years ago and called for board members to retest their mandate.
Mr Roa said he could understand the king's position. "I know he's still hurting over that. I know that he's frustrated with the apparent inability of the Arataura and the officers of the Kauhanganui to get on, so in that hurt, I respect that within his letter to the tribe led him to express that hurt."
The king also called for a referendum on the tribe's institutions but Mr Roa said work on the constitutional reform was already being undertaken and there was still a huge amount of enthusiasm or "hikaka" for that to continue, he said. Consultation would have to occur before a referendum.
It is not clear if the tribe's new parliamentary chair will be voted in at the upcoming meeting. Mr Roa said of Mr Morgan's bid: "I think Tuku has a magic. He is a political animal, he's a survivor and he will pull out all the stops to become the chair of the Kauhanganui."
Mr Morgan did not respond to Herald calls.
By Yvonne Tahana Email Yvonne
29 November 2012
e Maori King
Thursday, November 29th, 2012 at 9:00 am
The Dom Post editorial:
The English got rid of the absolute power of the monarchy in 1215 when King John’s seal was attached to the Magna Carta at Runnymede. In Waikato, former MP Tukoroirangi Morgan wants to bring it back to protect the “mana” and “prestige” of the Maori king.
Mr Morgan, a central figure in the long-running dispute between King Tuheitia and sacked Waikato-Tainui parliament chairwoman Tania Martin, wants the king given the power to veto decisions made by the parliament and even to dissolve the body that represents Tainui’s 63,000 members. “We must never be able to go to court to settle our differences,” he said this week.
The parliament and Waikato Maori should reject Mr Morgan’s proposal.
The dispute between the king and tribal representatives in the parliament appears to be over control of Treaty settlement moneys that have now grown to $800 million. Those moneys were paid to Tainui by the Crown to settle the historical grievances of all Tainui, not just those of the king or the coterie of advisers who cluster about him.
Decisions about how that money is invested and how the dividends from it are spent should be made by all Tainui.
King Tuheitia’s mother, the Maori queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, was widely respected within Maoridom and outside it for the quiet dignity with which she performed her role. Behind the scenes, she knew how to work the phones but, publicly, she made a point of staying above the rough and tumble of politics.
King Tuheitia shows no such restraint. Not only has he got himself offside with the Government and alienated much of the Pakeha world by nonsensically declaring that Maori have “always owned the water”, but he has also allowed himself to be drawn into intra-tribal disputes and wrangles over the spending of Tainui money by the executive Mr Morgan once headed.
King Tuheitia seems to listen to Tuku Morgan only.
What High Court decision? - a mere bagatelle
Tainui on the road to rule changes says citizen roa
The chair of Tainui's Executive Board wants to see reform of the tribe's governing bodies.
The parliament, Te Kauhanganui, has sacked its Chair Tania Martin and lost her deputy Bill Takerei, and the members of the Executive, Te Ara Taura, are also facing calls to stand aside.
Tom Roa says it's time to get the waka back on an even keel - and that may mean changing the rules. It's a high priority for us but it requires proper timing and a robustness in the process of checking through the constitution, checking through the rules, so constitutional change must happen, rule change, rule reviews must happen.
Roa says the immediate priority is to get through next month's annual meeting, where TAA will report on progress and Te Kauhanganui will elect a new chair.
[pic]
Comment:
yes - yes - but how about that High Court decision? What High Court decision?
did citizen roa ask the people - you know - the ones he purports to represent?
did citizen roa & rau put a resolution before tki for its endorsement of such action?
did rau & roa get permission to spend money on securing lawyers - stace hammond of hamilton - incidentally who provided advice to Mrs Martin on the same rules changes that were updated in November 2011?
Oh never mind about the lack of professional ethics!
Oh never mind about the secrecy!
Oh that stuff. Oh never mind - we are the 'executive board' - the 'governing body' - the 'ones in charge' - the one that the High Court found to be in breach of the 2011 rules and therefore its decisions and actions unlawful.
hei aha! a mere bagatelle - getting a damning high court order against you .. one taa ignores at its peril ...
taa has been in the wharepaku for so long - it is now natural for them to swim in its murkiness -
yes but what about its responsibilities of transparency - accountability - due process fiduciary duty to the members ...
Oh those elements of the law under which it is obligated to uphold ...
Oh how silly we are to expect taa to observe & heed a High Court decision!
Posted by Chris Webster at 2:30 PM No comments:
whakaruru bleats ...
The following bleating arrived by email from rangi wallace whakaruru in response to waikatopolitx comments on the 7-pages of nonsensical guff scribbled by him (& possibly tuku morgan & greg miller).
We are not amused.
Neither will we resile or fall on our faces or quail in the face of such pathetic fawning.
Nor will we stop penning our factual opinion or observations or raising questions & exposing fraudsters like whakaruru & kotua - whose track record goes all the way back to 1990 ...
Sometimes they turn out to be cons. Helen Kotua & Rangi Whakaruru are two cons who managed to have their travel & hotels funded by Maori Affairs as they conned their way around New Zealand collecting 'investments' from unsuspecting Maori people. - CONNING 'INVESTMENTS'.
Citizen paki obviously remains pissed off that people took Dame Te Ata to court.
Has the ngaruawahia pretender forgotten? He & his brothers and sister were directors of a company that employed Whakaruru to establish a theatre on the land opposite turangawaewae marae. Which of course fell over due to incompetence of the people involved & no money.
Turangawaewae board trustees were asked to guarantee the 'invesment'. Thankfully they got very good advice not to touch it with a 40ft waka paddle.
The architects got fed up waiting to be paid & sued Dame Te Ata WHAKARURU AGAIN for non-payment of $80,000.00 that was run up by - dah - dah - whakaruru.
A written request to the office of the auditor general will be lodged this week to investigate the ootk - cos he gets public money - which is siphoned off into his late mothers' private trusts & no number of internal deeds of funding will stop it.
citizen paki wanted attention - now he will get it.
Rangi W ................
................
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