Governance Review a New Way Forward for Waikato-Tainui

A two-year process to review the governance and representation structure of Waikato-Tainui was completed at the weekend (note: Sunday 29 November 2015) with the approval of new rules governing its tribal parliament Te Kauhanganui.

Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai, chairman of Te Kauhanganui, said the approval of the rules would now initiate a transition to the new structural model and to working under more clearly defined governance roles and responsibilities.

She said the review process, although lengthy, had been robust and comprehensive.

“The review has included multiple opportunities for members and marae to contribute, seek clarification, and express their preferences. I want to acknowledge and thank the representatives of Te Kauhanganui for their diligence and also thank the many tribal members who have participated by sharing their thoughts and views,” said Ms Moana-Tuwhangai.

The review was initiated in 2013 by Kiingi Tuheitia who called for a fresh look at how the iwi could improve on its then 14-year-old structure to enable increased efficiencies and ongoing prosperity.

Nanaia Mahuta, co-Chair of the Governance & Representation Review sponsor group, said the rule changes which had now been accepted and endorsed by Te Kauhanganui indicated “a strong preference to learn from the challenges of the past and lift the strategic ambition of the tribe to achieve its development priorities”.

“The process has taken longer than we would have liked but it has retained the confidence of the tribe and Te Kauhanganui because it has engaged the people every step of the way,” said Ms Mahuta.

“It is evident that Te Kauhanganui wants a significant culture shift and to move towards governance best practice standards with our tikanga and Kiingitanga values at the fore. The changes to the rules support these goals.”

The new rules were approved on Sunday with overwhelming support from Te Kauhanganui members.

Key outcomes of the review are:

- Adoption of the Marae Model, key features of which are:

o Reduction of Te Kauhanganui membership from 3 representatives per Marae to 2
o Inclusion of one alternate member per Marae to cover absences
o Retention of Te Arataura membership status quo of 11 members
o Rejection of the proposal to introduce two At-Large independent members to Te Arataura

o Establishment of an Office of the CEO, reporting to Te Arataura

- Substantive rule changes to clarify the role of Te Kauhanganui and the role of Te Arataura, including delegation of authority and key responsibility areas

- Establishment of Hohou Te Rongo, a tikanga-based process for responding to internal governance issues and disputes

- Introduction of job descriptions for all Te Kauhanganui officers and members, and for all Te Arataura positions, based on a skills matrix

- Recommendation to hold elections to fill vacant Custodial Trustee positions

- Recommendation to conduct a fit-for-purpose management review of all tribal entities

The name of Te Kauhanganui is also under review.

A six-month transition process to the new structure and rules will commence following confirmation of the Terms of Reference and the formal registration of the rules.

Ms Mahuta, who co-chaired the review with Sir Henry van der Heyden, acknowledged and thanked the technical support group who had helped to steer the project through to completion. Team members included Parekawhia McLean, Mike Pohio, Tama Potaka, Sonya Haggie, Huriwai Paki and Shane Solomon.

About the Governance & Representation Review:

- Commenced in 2013 following a tribal hui-aa-iwi called by Kiingi Tuheitia.

- Kiingi Tuheitia sought a governance model that would enable greater leadership, stability, effective decision-making, communication and accountability, and increased prosperity for the iwi

- Sponsor Group members have included Nanaia Mahuta, Sir Henry van der Heyden, Tuku Morgan, Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai, Tom Roa and Rahui Papa.

- Working Party members have included Parekawhia McLean, Mike Pohio, Rangi Whakaruru, Shane Solomon, and Tania Simpson

- Research and pre-consultation hui identified the following core assumptions:

o Marae would remain the unit of representation
o Need for separation of governance and representation
o Need to clarify the role, responsibility and function of the Representation and Governance bodies
o Need for effective disputes resolution
o Stronger alignment of commercial and tribal aspirations
o Need for a fit-for-future structure
- Engagement with tribal leaders and members has included:
o Consultation hui
o Presentations to key stakeholder groups
o Workshops with tribal members and marae
o A tribal ballot to identify the preferred model
o Workshops with Te Kauhanganui members
o Communications via the tribal magazine, website, social media, Radio Tainui, media and events.

ENDS

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