Key Board Messages – 11 Hakihea 2023 

This was the first of our alternating bimonthly remote hui, the purpose of these hui is to ensure we can address compliance whilst keeping pace.  A significant whakaaro that emerged from the hui was that of Toitū. 

Toitū te whenua - Whenua reacquisition policy 

• We have three live tono from Hapū surrounding the return of whenua outside of the Differed Selection Properties (DSP). The approval of this Whenua reacquisition policy provides a framework for decision making, ensuring that any approval for the return of Right of first refusal (RFR) or Cultural properties are: 
• Compliant with Te Korowai Trust Deed; 
• Aligns with Te Korowai Strategy; 
• Equitable for all Hapū; and 
• Feasible 

• Under the Toitū te whenua strategy, Hapū partnership model and policy – we will create a Hapū led, circular economy where we can own, grow and develop whenua for the benefit of Ngāruahine. Te Korowai will be in touch with Hapū early 2024 to discuss the policy and the opportunities this will create.

Toitū te Iwi - Challenging the new Government policy agenda 

• The Board approved a qualified campaign to challenge the new policy agenda concerning Māori. 

• Te Korowai does not have any political affiliations and we will work alongside any government to progress the interests of Ngāruahine. Equally, we have the responsibility of challenging any policies that conflict with the interests of Ngāruahine. 

• The new coalition government, led by National and includes Act and NZ First, was formed based on the details in the respective coalition agreements. This policy agenda will have a detrimental impact on Māori and Ngāruahine. 

• Te Tiriti o Waitangi was between the Crown and Māori. Any interpretation of that has been reinforced to date through the Waitangi Tribunal, Treaty settlements legislation, general legislation and the judicial system. A crude unilateral statutory reform on the Treaty principles will have a detrimental impact on Māori, Iwi, and most pressingly to us, the rights of Ngāruahine uri, whānau, hapū and iwi. 

• Te Korowai has held a strong, effective and productive relationship with local government over the last three years. Te Korowai has committed large impact investment projects into South Taranaki that will support local economic growth for the benefit of not only Ngāruahine, but the wider community. This impact investment includes; housing, civic development, tourism infrastructure and hapū development. The recent inclusion of Māori wards has further solidified our relationship with councils. We see our relationship with South Taranaki District Council and Stratford District Council as a successful example of iwi/council relationships. The reintroduction of local referendum on Māori wards will have a negative impact on Te Korowai resourcing – impacting our capability and capacity to deliver on local investment. 

• We have a high level of cynicism and resentment from being used as a political football for subsequent governments, and no material health, social, environmental, or cultural improvements for our Iwi. We are concerned by the disproportionate level and targeting of Māori in the policy agenda which is focused on disestablishment and removal of our rights versus corrective solutions to the, widely agreed, disparities faced by Māori. This reductive approach does not serve Māori and does not serve Aotearoa. It is also contrary to the ‘productive’ and ‘administrative efficiency’ driven rhetoric espoused amongst the three coalition partners. Instead, the result is a continuation of toxic vitriol and anti-Māori sentiment. 

Toitū te tangata 

• The Board accepted the resignation of Paula Carr and extends its gratitude to her for her service to Te Korowai o Ngāruahine. Paula was first elected as a Trustee in 2014, including three years serving as Pouwhakarae. We extend our best wishes to Paula in her future endeavours.  

• The Board approved the appointment of the next polling candidate for the Kānihi Umutahi - Hapū Electorate under the Trust Deed, Schedule 2, Clause 3.3aiA.  We are pleased to confirm that Katrina Taylor has since accepted the appointment to Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust Board.  

• The Board approved the appointment of Sarah Mako to Te Kīwai Mauī o Ngāruahine Board (Mauī). Mauī is the investment subsidiary of Te Korowai Group and they are responsible for managing and growing the Ngāruahine Treaty settlement asset base. Sarah is a senior leader in Taiao, with a strong understanding of policy and compliance. Sarah’s critical thinking, curiosity and rigor are attributes needed to ensure evidence based decision making. 

Karanga mai Hineraumati! 

• As we take the time to soak up the sun, relax, and spend quality time with whānau – we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer wherever you are in the motu. 

Pai mārire!