We are the in Legislative Phase of our Treaty Settlement
Māori Affairs Select Committee
On Wednesday July 24, members of the Māori Affairs Select Committee convened to hear submissions on The Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill. Originally scheduled to take place in Raetihi, the hearings were postponed due to a tangi and rescheduled to be held at the Beehive.
At the start of the hearings, Committee Chair Dan Bidios acknowledged the loss and thanked everyone for traveling to Parliament. After introductions, Bidios welcomed the first submitter, treating their submission as read and inviting them to highlight any specific points. Each submitter was allocated 5 minutes and was encouraged to leave time for questions.
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua chairman, Aiden Gilbert, made a oral submission on behalf of the iwi.
Following the submissions, the committee held a debrief with Te Arawhiti officials, who will help the committee clarify any outstanding questions. Te Arawhiti officials will collate a report to answer those questions and are scheduled to report back with their responses on August 7.
We trust that once the committee receive the report and fully understand our robust negotiations, overlapping-claims, mandate and ratification process, that they will recommend the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill proceed to the second and third readings in Parliament, with the recommendation expected on October 11.
What’s next?
After the Māori Affairs Select Committee makes its recommendation to Parliament, the next steps are as follows:
Second Reading: The Bill is debated by the full Parliament. This stage focuses on the general principles and themes of the Bill. Members of Parliament (MPs) discuss whether they support the overall intention of the Bill.
Committee of the Whole House: If the Bill passes the second reading, it moves to the Committee of the Whole House stage. At this point, the Bill is examined in detail by all MPs sitting as a committee. Amendments can be made to the Bill during this stage.
Third Reading: After the Committee of the Whole House stage, the Bill returns to the full Parliament for the third reading. This stage is a final opportunity for MPs to debate the Bill, focusing on what it will look like after the detailed consideration and any amendments made. This is when we can travel to Parliament and sit in the public gallery.
Royal Assent: If the Bill passes the third reading, it is sent to the Governor-General for royal assent. Once royal assent is given, the Bill becomes law. In summary, after the Maori Affairs Select Committee’s recommendation, the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill will proceed through the second and third readings in Parliament, followed by a review in the Committee of the Whole House, and finally, if approved, receive royal assent to become law.
ONE YEAR IN REVIEW
A message from the General Manager
As we commemorate one year since the signing of the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Deed of Settlement on 29th July 2023, I am pleased to update you on the significant progress we have made together.
Since the signing, we have received $10.8 million in settlement funds, which have been carefully managed at preferential iwi rates with Westpac. This responsible stewardship ensures these funds contribute to our collective ambitions.
Our plan for the Settlement Date continues to be fine-tuned and put into action to prepare for the remaining settlement redress funds and properties. Concurrently, the development of our Iwi group structure is progressing well, that will allow us to manage Te Korowai o Wainuiārua’s post-settlement affairs, business activities, assets, and liabilities with prudence and foresight.
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Trust remains the unified voice and representative body for our three Iwi—Uenuku, Tamakana, and Tamahaki. I am pleased to report an 11% increase in our Iwi membership over the past year, reflecting growing engag
ement and solidarity within our community.
Maintaining regular communication is a priority. Iwi members receive timely updates through various channels, including monthly newsletters, ensuring transparency and inclusivity in our operations.
Recently, with a written submission, we proudly defended the integrity of our settlement before the Māori Affairs Select Committee, following the first reading of the Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Claims Settlement Bill in April 2024. We anticipate the committee’s swift recommendation to Parliament, reaffirming our dedication to achieving justice and recognition for our people.
Our commitment to fostering whanaungatanga extends beyond our boundaries as we continue to engage with neighbouring Iwi, strengthening relationships and collaboration.
Additionally, we prioritise the well-being of our kaumātua and kuia through regular events promoting health and community spirit. Meanwhile, our focus remains on preparing for the transfer of settlement redress, alongside progressing our flagship projects—the Pokaka Ecosanctuary and Raetihi Community Hub now offically named Te Tihi o Te Rae Ki Mākōtuku.
Moreover, we have engaged a strategic planner named Hapū Solutions, who have developed a long-term strategic plan. This plan, following uri feedback, has been approved subject to minor changes, ensuring a clear path forward for our aspirations.
Looking ahead, we eagerly await our first Annual General Meeting on 21st September 2024 and the inaugural election of Trustees for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua in Decemeber 2024. These milestones signify our journey towards greater autonomy and prosperity for the iwi.
Warm regards,
Steven Hirini
General Manager
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua Trust
