Live video broadcasts of Uenuku Charitable Trust hui are proving popular with members of three central North Island iwi who are welcoming a more flexible approach to staying informed and involved in Treaty negotiations.
The Negotiations Team for descendants of Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki set up the livestream platform through Facebook to reach people and communities unable to attend the information updates held most months at the Trust offices in Raetihi.
Lead Negotiator Chris McKenzie said his team is pleased with the way people are responding to the live programme.
“It is vital that we have a strong connection with the people we are negotiating for – quite simply, we are guided by their views, ideas, feedback and comment.
“Our Team travels around the country twice a year to talk to our people face to face, and traditional consultation hui are held in Raetihi regularly. But on a wet, cold winter’s day, only the most committed travel the icy roads to Raetihi for our monthly updates, so we looked to find another way of staying connected.”
Livestreaming has gained serious momentum with whānau over the past year, reaching sometimes thousands of viewers. When the live broadcast ends, those who missed the real-time connection can still view the video on the Uenuku Charitable Trust Facebook Page.
Mr McKenzie said instant livestream engagement with whānau is the next best thing to kanohi ki te kanohi and seems to be working, with people tuning in from all over the world.
“Our whānau are thanking us. Broadcasting live brings our community together in the moment but more importantly it is about accessibility – it opens the door into our whare, into our world and the business of the Trust and its beneficiaries. We get to field the burning questions, hear what’s on their mind, check out their live reactions and respond instantly.”
The next Negotiations hui and livestream is scheduled for Sunday, November 5 at 11am in Raetihi. It will provide a comprehensive update on Treaty negotiations progress and will also look at the requirements for the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) that must be set up to receive the settlement.
In between update hui, information is posted regularly to the website www.uenuku.iwi.nz and the Uenuku Charitable Trust Facebook page, via Twitter and through email broadcasts, group texts and newsletters. To be on the mailing list, descendants of Uenuku, Tamakana and Tamahaki can email enquiries@uenuku.iwi.nz or phone 06 385 4900 to register with Uenuku Charitable Trust and ensure their contact details are current.