Media Release
FIRST 2021 NATIONAL IWI CHAIRS FORUM ONLINE HUI CREATES POSITIVE MOMENTUM FOR THE FUTURE
The National Iwi Chairs Forum determined late last month not to hold their first hui of the year in Waitangi in order to show leadership in prioritising the health and wellbeing of the community. In particular, kaumātua and vulnerable populations. This move was supported wholeheartedly by Te Taitokerau iwi leaders and the hui was consequently held via zoom from the 4th-5th of February.
Kahurangi (Dame) Naida Glavish, chair of host iwi Ngāti Whatua, facilitated an engaging agenda that brought together iwi leadership from across the country to discuss the priorities within the five NICF pou; Pou Tikanga (constitutional and customary practices), Pou Tangata (people), Pou Tahua (economic), Pou Taiao (environment and natural resources) and Pou Take Āhuarangi (climate).
“Despite the inability for us to meet kānohi ki te kānohi, we were able to have a well-attended and productive hui that set the tone for the forum moving forward in order to progress our work on behalf of the whānau, hapū and iwi we represent” said Kahurangi Naida Glavish.
“A number of key recommendations were brought back to the forum from the successful Matike Mai, Māori Constitutional Convention and the Iwi Housing and Iwi Assets and Māori Land Symposium that were held in the lead up to this NICF hui” said Kahurangi Naida.
The NICF met with the Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Ministers on day two of the forum and had a productive discussion regarding matters of importance to the NICF and Government. The engagement was positive and the Forum will be working to develop an accountability framework that will set out key outcomes and measures relevant to Te Ao Māori that can be tracked and monitored over time. This will be determined collectively, and ensure the effectiveness of both the Forum and Government.
The NICF was pleased with the response from the Prime Minister and her Ministers. Specifically, the commitment to meaningful engagement and relationship building in order to advance kaupapa and identify and develop solutions. “We had a very constructive hui with the Prime Minister, who was more than receptive to the points raised. Encouragingly, we were able to progress the engagement in a positive and solution focussed manner. We’re buoyed by the action oriented conversation that will see the NICF working more closely with Ministers, government officials and the Prime Minister in order
to progress outcomes for whānau, hapū and iwi,” said NICF member and Taranaki Iwi Chair Jamie Tuuta.
The NICF acknowledged and expressed their support for the recent work of the Government in relation to the changes in legislation for Māori wards and the announcement that Matariki will officially be recognised as a public holiday from 2022.
The NICF also took the opportunity to meet with the Chair of the Climate Commission, the Commissioner of Police, the CEO and Secretary for Justice and representatives from the National and Māori Parties.
ENDS
Kahurangi Rangimarie Naida Glavish – Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua
NICF Host Iwi
Media contact:
secretariat@rauru.iwi.nz