Message To Ngai Tahu Whanui 20090321

Tēnā koutou katoa, Yesterday, the first taumata kōrero was held at Rehua marae in Christchurch. The overwhelming message from our people was for tribal kotahitanga to overcome the current matters amongst us. The Ngāi Tahu way was very visible in the strong, direct opinions that laid challenges for both Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tahu as an iwi. At the heart of the challenges laid down was a demand for the mana and integrity of Ngāi Tahu to be respected and upheld. There was a calm, clear expectation that now is the time to address the underlying tensions that have been within the iwi for a number of years. Whānau were clear that using the media to air tribal differences damages the iwi and damages the sense of pride tribal members have in being Ngāi Tahu. Whānau were equally clear that it is just not enough to have a common commitment to kotahitanga. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu and Ngāi Tahu as an iwi must take constructive, practical and effective actions to reach solutions that endure solutions and achieve tribal stability. The expectations on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu are to: ⋅

Grow and protect the Settlement;

⋅

Have strong, accountable and transparent leadership and governance;

⋅

Manage our assets carefully, efficiently and to the highest possible standards; and

⋅

Act consistently with the values of Ngāi Tahu.

The challenges the hui laid for Te Rūnanga are to ensure that there are clear standards for Te Rūnanga Representatives to be accountable and meet the highest levels of good governance practice. For Ngāi Tahu, good governance means that Te Rūnanga Representatives are more transparent around decision making, increasing the information accessible to Ngāi Tahu Whānui. As Kaiwhakahaere, I share these expectations. This weekend, Te Rūnanga will consider further improvements to the codes of conduct that already govern Representatives, to increase accountability rules and practices. It was pointed out a number of times yesterday that one voice does not make a Rūnanga, but many voices do. The challenges the hui laid for Ngāi Tahu as an iwi are for us to have open and frank discussions together, about issues that should unite us rather than divide us. We all have a stake in the future of our iwi and that tribal future will only be forged through kotahitanga. I look forward to further hui where we can continue these discussions. There are now confirmed hui in Bluff, Auckland, Tauranga and the West Coast. If you would like me to attend a hui in your region, please contact my secretary Michelle Long on 03 371 2650 or [email protected]

Nāhaku noa nā Mark Solomon 21st March 2009

Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero The food of chiefs is discussion