4 June 2012

Media Release - New and Innovative Leadership for Wellington Maori

"We are now at the start of an innovative era in community involvement for Maori in Wellington," said the new Wellington District Maori Council chair, Rahui Katene following the election of new officers in May. She said “the Maori Council’s only all-female board” comprising Noelene Smiler, Kaye-Maree Dunn, and Iris Pahau “has between us several decades of leadership in the Maori community, and we are all pleased to put that expertise to work”.

Mrs Katene, former MP for Te Tai Tonga, siad "we need to ensure that the Council’s statutory role of advancing the social and economic situation of all Maori in the Wellington District is of paramount importance and realized."
To achieve this goal the new Wellington Maori District Council intends to work closely with mana whenua, urban Maori, and various other Maori community groups “to provide contestable strategic policy advice to Government and maximize community participation by supporting all Maori and groups such as the Maori Wardens whose sterling work is often not widely recognised or understood”, Katene said.

New Zealand Maori Council’s deputy chair, Maanu Paul who facilitated the May hui, set out the Council’s proud history and achievements such as the treaty clause in the SOE Act, and legislative change to advance Maori media, language, fisheries and forestry.
Mr Paul said “the Wellington Council’s fresh leadership reflects the renewal process that Council is currently experiencing throughout the country as evidenced by Sir Eddie Taihakurei Durie’s recent election as the new chair of Raukawa District Maori Council”. This is consistent with Council’s new strategic direction and aim of being a relevant independent voice on matters relating to all Maori."

The hui also agreed that a taumata (council of elders) be established that will have an active part in the decisions of the Wellington District Maori Committee through their advice, guidance and support.

Mrs Katene thanked the previous executive of the Wellington District Maori Council for their efforts and hard work on behalf of Maori not only in Wellington and throughout the country, and hopes to see them back on the Council representing their various Committees. "They have so much expertise and history with the Council we would all benefit from" she said. "This is a tough time for Maori and we need all the skills we can call upon to support Maori potential."

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