The iwi of Uenuku is entering a new phase following a Hui-a-Iwi and the inaugural annual meeting of the tribal entity established at the direction of whanau and hapu.
Uenuku Charitable Trust was formed at the request of the iwi on February 1, 2014, to disestablish the Uenuku Tribal Authority (UTA) in favour of a new tribal entity in order to provide “a
fresh start” for the iwi.
Since that date the pace had barely let up, Uenuku Charitable Trust chairman Aiden Gilbert said at Raetihi Pah in his report to the iwi at the trust’s first annual general meeting on July 12.
Mr Gilbert summed up the work of the 17 months since February 2014 as “a mammoth effort”.
An interim board, which included kaumatua, kuia and hau kainga, was formed to share the considerable workload involved in establishing an effective tribal entity and to begin efforts to
progress iwi development. The board of trustees is working through a demanding schedule of strategic planning, policy design, imbedding operational systems and engagement with whanau, hapu, marae, uri who live outside of the rohe, neighbouring iwi, central and local government, agencies and community organisations.
Mr Gilbert said every board member was conscious of the responsibility to make decisions in the best interests of tangata whenua. The majority of trustees live in the Waimarino district or
Whanganui, but others travelled home from as far as Northland in order to contribute.
He congratulated project manager Steve Hirini on the milestones he had achieved in progressing Treaty settlement work on behalf of Uenuku. MrHirini had been instrumental in helping UCT develop sound operational systems and infrastructure. “We are privileged to have him on board,” Mr Gilbert said.
He thanked kaumatua and kuia for their support, which he described as crucial to the wellbeing and health of Uenuku tangata whenua.
In accordance with the Uenuku Deed of Trust, all members of the interim board retired at the annual meeting.
Retiring members were eligible for re-appointment.
The re-appointment of the following trustees was ratified by the anual meeting:
Aiden Gilbert, Don Robinson, Lesley (Missy) Edmonds, Kaylene Crossan, Clive Te Iwimate, Kura WanikauTuroa, Clyde Connell, Carolyn Heta, Mahanga Williams, Rayma Bryers and Moana Dawson.
The meeting also ratified the appointment of the following new trustees, subject to compliance with the Uenuku Representation Protocol: Matiu Blackburn, Tina Wallace, Renee Wanikau, Sonny
Tonihi, Kawana Wallace, Katrina Taura-Hiri.
An additional nine trustee nominations were received from the floor, and confirmation of their appointment is also subject to the Uenuku Representation Protocol.
The full board will be confirmed at a special general meeting on August 23 at Raetihi Pah.
UCT will continue to meet with tangata whenua and key stakeholders to progress iwi development and Treaty settlement work, and to discuss any issues required, Mr Gilbert said.
“Our focus as an iwi entity must also go toward implementing strategic goals to develop, uplift and advance our whanau and hapu, and playing our role as a major contributor to the cultural and economic strength of Uenuku.”
Crystal Kiu