Pānui #011
Mihi from the Chair
Ngāti Pāoa pūtea pitau ki te repo, ānei tā mātou pūrongo nō muri mai i a Rākaunui a Paengawhāwhā, tēnei kaupeka o te tau. Kāore e roa ka ngarongaro haere a Matariki, otiiā Te Waka o Tainui kia hao i te kūpenga o Taramainuku ngā tini aituā o te tau. Nō reira e ngā tini karangatanga maha tēnā hoki tātou katoa.
Welcome to the first pānui for 2024, there has been a lot happening this year, so it is timely that we share some updates. The year started with the Kīngitanga Hui-ā-Motu at Tūrangawaewae with the key messaging of kotahitanga, mana motuhake, and tino rangatiratanga. Ngāti Pāoa has joined the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF), which was hosted by Ngāpuhi before the Waitangi celebrations, the next NICF being hosted by Tauranga this week. Ngāti Pāoa continues to address the Waiheke Caulerpa, therefore after months of planning the first suction and mat trials has been completed. The most pressing issue I would like to address in the coming weeks is the establishment of a Cultural Forum guided by our kaumātua to respond to the multiple events that require karakia, whakatau, pōwhiri and tikanga processes for a range of events.
In this pānui:
Second reading of the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill
Wānanga-a-iwi on the Ngāti Paoa Treaty Settlement package
Hui-ā-Motu
National Iwi Chairs Forum
Caulerpa Update
Extending Waiheke Rāhui- Fisheries Act, section 186a
Pouarua Farm – Governance Restructure
Me He Kuaka Reo o te Kainga
Splore 2024
Introducing the Mātanga Taiao
Are you registered?
Mahi Toi EOI
OWN IT
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero
Second reading of the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill
On Thursday 11 April the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill was read for a second time in Parliament. The second reading is when Parliament debates the main principles of a Bill and any changes recommended to it by the select committee which inquired into it.
Getting to a second reading is extremely pleasing, as it shows solid progress is being made with the Ngāti Paoa settlement legislation. Pleasingly too, there was unanimous support for the Bill from all political parties in Parliament. This matched the unanimous recommendations the Māori Affairs Committee made in their report on the Bill.
Speeches supporting the Bill can be read here. The Māori Affairs Committee’s report can be downloaded here.
Waiheke Station Farm
In regard to the Waiheke farm, the Māori Affairs Committee has recommended that the farm is consolidated to the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust as the mandated iwi authority for Ngāti Paoa, which the Ngāti Paoa community had voted and agreed to.
The committees chair, Dan Bidois, said in his speech to Parliament at the second reading: “the members of the select committee were satisfied that the impact from transferring the assets from the Waiheke Station Trust to the new post-settlement governance entity will actually be beneficial for all those descendants of Ngāti Paoa”.
With their unanimous vote supporting the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill, Parliament has now spoken. When the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill passes into law, the Waiheke farm will transfer to the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust as the mandated iwi authority. Until that time, the Ngāti Paoa Trust Board has the responsibility of managing the farm and ensuring it transfers in a good financial state.
Timing for the Third Reading
We do not know when the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill will be read for a third time and passed into law. There are a number of other iwi deeds and Bills that need to be progressed across Hauraki, including the Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Deed. Ideally the Ngāti Paoa legislation can be finalised at the same time as our whanaunga iwi by the middle of 2025. If there are delays we will look to have the Bill progressed separately.
Hui-a-iwi on the Ngāti Paoa Treaty Settlement package
Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust is holding a series of hui on the Ngāti Paoa Treaty settlement package, including what was negotiated through the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective.
These will be important hui and we encourage you to attend.
While the Ngāti Paoa Claims Settlement Bill is currently making good progress through Parliament, as an iwi we need to make decisions about the Ngāti Paoa share of redress provided through the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective Redress Deed. To do this we need to understand the extent and breadth of the Ngāti Paoa Treaty settlement package, and how it all fits together. This includes the Ngāti Paoa specific components, the Tāmaki Collective components, what is covered through Pare Hauraki Collective Redress Deed, and what was collectively negotiated through the Marutūāhu Iwi Collective.
Hui will be held at the following dates and times. We will confirm venues for Tāmaki and Hamilton with further information on the Ngāti Paoa website and Facebook page.
Sunday 19 May – 10.00am, Waitakaruru Community Hall
Sunday 26 May – 10.00am, Tāmaki
Thursday 30 May - 6.00pm, Hamilton
Hui-ā-Motu
The Hui-ā-Motu called by Kīngi Tuheitia on 20 January 2024 was an historic event. It saw over 12,000 attendees meet at Tūrangawaewae Marae. The hui took place in response to concerns over policies of the new government relating to Māori, such as rolling back the use of te reo Māori in the public sector, and introducing a Bill to redefine the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.
A large Tainui-affiliated iwi and hapū were present to host the many visitors who came from across the motu. The pōwhiri, characterised by continuous karanga showcased a spiritual connection and a shared purpose among participants.
A series of panel discussions were held, delving into critical topics including Treaty relationships, future visions for Māori, and the need to change iwi corporate entities and the economic model they follow. Participants then reconvened to hear a summary from each panel. In his address, Kīngi Tuheitia emphasised cultural identity, stating that “being Māori” is the best form of protest.
The hui focused on defining a future for Māori, encouraging individual responsibility for collective success. The vibrant expression of Māori culture and the determination to navigate challenges underscored the event's significance, setting the stage for further hui in different regions. The kāpura ahi ceremony, the lighting of four fires representing the four winds, marked the event’s conclusion, carrying the mauri to future hui.
National Iwi Chairs Forum
Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust has joined the National Iwi Chairs Forum. This provides way for iwi leaders to communicate and engage with each other on shared and nationally significant kaupapa, and to strengthen our shared advocacy as iwi.
Caulerpa Update
Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust has taken an active role in the fight against the invasive exotic Caulerpa seaweed. This is an expression of Ngāti Paoa kaitiakitanga, for the iwi to stand by and do nothing to fight this disastrous pest would be catastrophic. Caulerpa is a devilishly clever seaweed, able to colonise and propagate from small pieces, which can be carried by an anchor chain or fishing gear. When fully grown it smothers the ocean floor, killing off our native species and reducing fish stocks.
In January and February a Ngāti Paoa team worked with Commercial Dive Specialists (CDS), to trial suction-dredging of Caulerpa from the sea floor of Onetangi Bay, Waiheke Island. The team also trialled the use of biodegradable mats, which had been manufactured from wool and placed on the sea floor to smother the Caulerpa. Financial support was received from the Ministry of Primary Industries and Foundation North. The woollen mats had been developed in partnership with Bremworth Carpets and Wisewool.
The participation and mahi of iwi members was crucial and the project could not have gone ahead without them. Ngā mihi nui to all those involved for giving their time to make the project a success.
To watch a NewsHub article on the project, click here.
Outcomes of the trial
In March we reported our findings to MPI. The diver-operated suction dredging showed promise for targeted areas and was effective with the right techniques being used. However, it was apparent this method would not be feasible for large-scale outbreaks, due to labour-intensive processes and cost considerations. Innovative approaches such as mechanised containment and treatment on barges is likely required, such as are being trialled in Ipipiri, the Bay of Islands.
During the diving operations it was disheartening to see signs of scallop dredging at Thompsons point and Opopoto Bay, particularly since a Ngāti Paoa rāhui protecting Kūtai (Mussels), Pāua, Tipa (Scallops), and Koura (Crayfish) has been in place there for 3 years now. Dredging not only breaches the rāhui, but it risks spreading the Caulerpa. This underscored the need for enhanced management strategies, such as Controlled Area Notices (CAN) to deter such behaviour, and prevent further Caulerpa spread.
On a more positive note, significant progress was made testing the biodegradable benthic mats. They proved effective in smothering and killing Caulerpa in just under three weeks. They are also easy to deploy and roll out, and once they have smothered the Caulerpa, they can be flipped to cover a greater area. They start to biodegrade at six weeks.
Next steps in the fight
We are currently working with MPI to start a ‘stage 2’ trial, involving new biodegradable mats at Waiheke and other locations. We are keen to trial them on a rocky sea-floor, where suction dredging will not easily work. Wisewool are providing a new version of the mats that should have a greater lifespan, allowing them to be flipped at least twice.
We are also looking to work with NIWA and CDS on a project to develop undersea AI surveillance technology, to identify and map areas of Caulerpa incursion. Early identification is crucial for targeted elimination.
Stay tuned for further updates as Waiheke Island continues its efforts to combat the Caulerpa invasion and safeguard its waters for future generations.
Caulerpa has now been found in Rākino, therefore Ngāti Paoa is working with MPI to identify the best strategy to eliminate before it spreads further. It is important that our divers keep an eye out for Caulerpa so we can deal with it early.
Special thanks to MUSA, MPI (Biosecurity NZ), Foundation North, Auckland Council and the Waiheke Local Board, Waiheke Resource Trust, Commercial Dive Specialists, Staniway Marine, and the Waiheke community for their support and continued awhi.
Extending Waiheke Rāhui Fisheries Act, section 186a
Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust is calling for support to extend a S186A Temporary Closure under the Fisheries Act around Waiheke island. The extension aims to protect vital taonga species such as tipa (scallops), kūtai (mussels), kōura (crayfish), and pāua (abalone) from overharvesting and depletion.
These species hold immense cultural and ecological importance, serving not only as a source of sustenance, but also as symbols of our connection to the whenua and moana. By granting these species the opportunity to replenish and thrive we are ensuring the preservation of our traditional practices and the health of our marine ecosystems for mokopuna to come.
If you wish to make a submission, please send an email to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz.
You can also click here and follow the instructions. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday 7 June 2024.
We encourage you to support this submission for Ngāti Paoa, Ngāi Tai, and Ngāti Tamaterā and recommend that the application be granted for 6 years.
The extension of s186A is a proactive step towards sustainable resource management, aligning with Ngāti Paoa's commitment to kaitiakitanga and the well-being of our moana. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the protection and regeneration of our taonga species and the mauri of our marine environment.
If you would like to make a submission in support of the proposed s186a extension but aren't sure what to write, please feel free to copy and paste the below:
As a concerned member of the Ngāti Paoa, I fully support the s186A fisheries closures at Waiheke Island, Umupuia, Waipatukahu and Te Mātā in Tīkapa Moana to protect our taonga species, and recommend the closures remain in place for 6 years. These species are not just vital components of our cultural practices but also integral to the health of our marine ecosystems. By giving them the space to regenerate and replenish, we are ensuring a sustainable future for the generations to come. It is imperative we take action now to preserve these species for our mokopuna and safeguard the delicate balance of our marine environment.
If you wish to read our longer application please click here. The application has been made jointly with Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki and Ngāti Tamaterā, who are seeking closures at Umupuia Beach, and Te Mātā and Waipatukahu respectively. Ngāti Hei is also seeking a closure of the tipa (scallop) fishery along the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, which we support.
Pouarua Farm – Governance Restructure
In late 2023 the five iwi shareholders of the Pouarua Farm agreed to a change of governance, enabling each iwi to appoint their own director to the Pouarua Farm Limited Partnership board, alongside an independent director that all shareholders vote for. Resolutions were also passed to allow borrowing from a tier one bank.
Previously there had been three iwi directors, with each iwi being able to nominate a director who all shareholders then voted to appoint. Ngāti Paoa had been concerned this did not provide direct representation for all iwi shareholders and sought a change. The five iwi shareholders are Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Tamaterā, Ngāti Tara Tokanui and Te Patukirikiri.
Ngāti Paoa Group Investments Limited (NPGIL), on the recommendation of the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, have appointed Heta Hudson to sit on the Pouarua board. Heta affiliates to Ngāti Awa and has significant commercial experience, including as a director on Ngāti Awa Group Holdings, the Ngāti Awa commercial arm.
Shareholding in the Pouarua Farm is presently the largest asset held by the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust. The farm was purchased ‘on account’ for $53.5 million in 2013 from Landcorp, meaning that the Crown agreed to an early release of Treaty settlement money, ahead of settlement legislation. Ngāti Paoa holds a 29.17% shareholding in the farm, for which $15.6 million of the Ngāti Paoa settlement quantum was used.
Since 2013 shareholder equity in the farm has increased considerably, to around $85.5 million at the end of the 2022 financial year. Ngāti Paoa share of that equity is sitting at around $25 million. Although principally a dairy farm, Pouarua has diversified operations to include cropping and blue-berries, and are looking at a number of other sustainable opportunities. Overall the farm is showing a solid financial performance.
Me He Kuaka Reo o te Kainga
Ngāti Paoa ki uta, Ngāti Paoa ki tai, Ngāti Paoa ki tua o te pae o Matariki. Tuia ki te rangi, tuia ki te papa, tuia te ira atua, te ira tangata. Ka rongo te pō, ka rongo te ao, Paoa ki uta, Paoa ki tai. Kia pono, kia tika, kia aroha, kia tau iho mai ngā manaakitanga, ki runga i tātou. Haumie, huī e, taiki e!
Ko tōku koroua i te taha o tōku pāpā nō Kaiaua nō reira, ko Kohukohunui te māunga, ko Tīkapa te moana, ko Whakatīwai te awa, ko Tainui me Kōtuiti tuarua te waka, ko Makomako me Wharekawa ngā marae, ko Taumore te papakāinga, he uri tēnei nō Ngāti Paoa, nō Hauraki ahau. Ko Melissa Castle Berry ahau. Ko Owen Castle tōku pāpā, ko Jacky tōku māmā, ko Craig tōku pāpā whāngai. Ko Jonathan tōku tūngane, ko ia te mataamua. Ko Thomas Berry tōku hoa rangatira. Tokorua aku tamahine, ko Kensa taku mataamua, tekau ōna tau. Ko Nessa taku pōtiki, iwa ōna tau.
Ko Tāmaki-makau-rau tōku tūrangawaewae ēngari, kei Tūranga-nui-a-Kiwa tōku kāinga ināianei tēnā tātou katoa.
Kia ora whānau, as I write this in Tairāwhiti so far away from our whenua I feel closer to our iwi than I ever have. My tamariki know their pepeha, feel their whenua Pūkorokoro within and we are all loving learning our reo from our whānaunga. Each week we get to sit down and see our whānau on screen and all learn together. Some are more proficient than others who show us the way and some like me need te reo Pākeha more often to get along. We are all accepted and celebrated. My tamariki and I have learnt our reo in different ways in different rōpū, however learning from whānaunga is different. Bringing our people together to celebrate being Ngāti Paoa, strengthening our reo together, is strengthening our wairua.
We participated in the online learning in 2023 and this has strengthened our reo in our whare. We are increasing the use of karakia, waiata and everyday reo specific to Ngāti Paoa. It ignites our passion to reclaim our reo because we see and hear our whānaunga doing it too. We feel privileged to have had this opportunity to learn via online and are learning again this year in 2024. Being able to meet so many whānau who are in the same waka where physical distance does not allow us to be learning together, on our whenua, has connected us deeply.
Ngā mihi nui ki a Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust, Whaea Drina, Whaea Katie and Whaea Jasmine for holding this pou for our iwi, our whānau are deeply grateful.
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā tātou katoa.
(Photo - Mel Berry and her two kōtiro, Kensa Moana Berry and Nessa Tīaki Berry)
Splore 2024
It is with great joy and pride that we share with you the success of Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Whanaunga participation at the 2024 Splore event, held at the stunning Tāpapakanga Regional Park. Over 80 whānau members came together to showcase our mana whenua and heritage, welcoming manuwhiri from bands across Aotearoa and the globe with a heartfelt pōwhiri.
A highlight of our engagement at Splore was the Whare Tāpere, organised by our iwi, where rangatahi toi and arts took centre stage. From harakeke workshops, mesmerising pūrakau storytelling, and a static display of our Pūkorokoro story, to profound discussions on Te Oranga o Te Taioa led by our esteemed iwi leaders, the Whare Tāpere became a hub of cultural celebration and knowledge sharing.
In addition to cultural activities, our whānau food/kai business also had a strong presence at the event. Traditional dishes lovingly prepared by our whānau members added a delicious touch to the festivities, showcasing the unique flavours and culinary heritage of our people. From hangi feasts to mouth-watering seafood delights, every bite told a story of tradition and connection to the whenua.
This integration of food and culture not only delighted the taste buds of attendees but also provided a platform to highlight the importance of kai as a reflection of our identity and values. Through the sharing of food, we shared a piece of our hearts and heritage with all who gathered at Splore.
As we reflect on our time at Splore 2024, we are filled with a sense of gratitude for the support and participation of our whānau, the positive reception from all those who attended, and the delicious flavours that filled the air. Together we celebrated our culture, strengthened our connections, and showcased the richness of our traditions through art, storytelling, and kai.
We look forward to more opportunities to promote iwi mana whenua, engage with the wider community, and share the warmth and flavours of our whānau food/kai business in the spirit of unity and collaboration.
Nā Michelle Wilson
Introducing the Mātanga Taiao
I am pleased to announce that Tipa Compain has joined the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust in the role of Mātanga Taiao, where he will lead engagement on environment and heritage matters.
Tipa comes to us as a seasoned leader, with a career spanning over two decades in the Treaty partnership and Māori engagement space for local government and the transport sector. Tipa started his career as a team member of Auckland Regional Council’s Māori Liaison group, with portfolios of Regional Parks and Regional Consents (2006-10). Following the creation of Auckland Council in late 2009, he moved to be the Māori Outcomes Lead for Auckland Transport (2010-2020), then Head of Strategic Relationships & Participation at Auckland Council (2020-22). More recently Tipa has been on the Executive Leadership Team of Auckland Light Rail as Te Tiriti Partnerships General Manager (2022-2024). In all these professional roles he has spearheaded initiatives to bring a Māori vision to public organisations.
Tipa has been long involved with Ngāti Paoa and its various representative bodies. He is currently the chair of Wharekawa Marae, and chairs the Piritahi Hau Ora Trust. Through his Ngāti Whanaunga whakapapa, Tipa has acted as a negotiator for that iwi since 2011, so has considerable experience also in the Treaty settlement space.
As Mātanga Taiao, Tipa will now turn his attention towards Ngāti Paoa. I would very much like to welcome Tipa to the team, and leave it to him to introduce himself in his own words below.
Nā John Hutton, NPIT CEO
Tipa Compain - Mātanga Taiao
Tēnā koutou katoa ngā uri o Paoa
Ko Kohukohunui te maunga
Ko Whakatiwai te awa
Ko Tīkapa te moana
Ko Wharekawa te marae
Ko Paoa Whanaunga te whare kōrero
Ko Ngāti Paoa te iwi
Ko Ngāti Kaiwhakapae, ko Ngāti Ngaromania, ko Ngāti Taurua, ko Ngāti Naho, ko Ngāti Tipa ōku hapū
Ko Rawiri, ko Aramoana, ko Tuakarmaene, ko Weke, ko Tuhimata ōku whānau
I am humbled to have been employed by the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust to work for the iwi on matters pertaining to Te Taiao. To follow in the steps of those who have been working tirelessly to uphold the mana of Ngāti Paoa whānau and hapū in the Taiao space is not taken lightly by me, and I appreciate the responsibilities that come with the role.
Now more than ever the Crown and its many agencies, as well as local government, business, hapori, and a myriad of other willing partners, are seeking to engage with Ngāti Paoa. Sometimes the ture, and the policy of Crown and council organisations, clashes with the tikanga of Ngāti Paoa. So one challenge will be to uphold the tikanga of Ngāti Paoa, and give effect to current ture that has been long fought for with respect to recognition and acknowledgement of our Te Tiriti rights, which our tupuna signed at the Waitemata and Waiau harbours in 1840.
I look forward the exciting challenge of the Mātanga Taiao position, working closely with our trustees and the growing team supporting the Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust.
Nā Tipa Compain
Register you and your whānau today and contribute to the collective strength of our iwi.
By becoming a beneficiary of the NPIT you are kept up to date with what is happening across the rohe, participate in Ngāti Paoa Iwi Trust events, and have your say during important events such as elections and ratifications.
Not sure if you are already registered, want to know the status of you application?
Email your name and DOB to: registration@paoa.co.nz
Ko te kai a te rangatira, he kōrero:
Below is the statement of association for four conservation sites in the southern Hūnua Ranges, taken from the Ngāti Paoa Deed of Settlement (Attachments Schedule). The statement of association is referred to in the ‘statutory acknowledgement’ the Crown is providing Ngāti Paoa over these sites. The kōrero is written by the late Morehu Wilson.
Southern Hūnua Ranges conservation sites:
Mangatawhiri Forest Conservation Area
Paparimu Conservation Area
Richard Sylvan Memorial Scenic Reserve
Vining Scenic Reserve
The southern Hūnua Ranges conservation sites, comprising the Mangatāwhiri Forest Conservation Area (1225.9 hectares), Paparimu Conservation Area (20 hectares), Richard Sylvan Memorial Scenic Reserve (135.9 hectares) and the Vining Scenic Reserve (461.6 hectares), hold significant ancestral, customary and cultural value for Ngāti Paoa. The collective sites are all covered with dense native forestation and are characterised with medium to steep ridges, deep gullies and flowing waterways.
The Hūnua Ranges are known to Ngāti Paoa as Te Pae Maunga o Hūnua (the mountain range of high lands). Kohukohunui (the great mist) is the highest peak within the mountain range and is considered sacred. The den senative bush was home to the Tūrehu and Patupaiarehe (supernatural ancestral beings), and is known to Ngāti Paoa as Te Ngāherehere o Kohukohunui (the expansive forest of Kohukohunui).
Marutūāhu, the ancestor of the confederated tribes of Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Tamaterā and Ngaati Whanaunga, travelled from Kāwhia and crossed the ranges in search of his father Hotunui who was residing at Whakatiwai. The mountain range is acknowledged as having received Marutūāhu and guided him to his destination. The pathway he followed is known as Te Ara o Marutūāhu. Marutūāhu propitiated the Atua (deities) as he entered the new land, and the Tūahu (altar) that he constructed was consecrated and left as a monument of his arrival.
All the southern Hūnua Ranges conservation sites are located either adjacent to or within former Māori-owned land blocks identified and claimed through the Native Land Court process. Titles for the land blocks were all awarded to descendants of Paoa, the eponymous ancestor of Ngāti Paoa. These land blocks were formerly known as Mangatangi, Poupipi and Wharekawa 2. The general evidence submitted by the witnesses during the Native Land Court process referred to the conquest of the land by Ngāti Paoa ancestors and its continued occupation by their descendants.
The Vining Brothers’ property known as the Vining Scenic Reserve was formerly part of the Native Land Court Mangatangi Block. The north and west boundaries of the Reserve follow the Kiukiu Range which was the boundary of the formerly-known Mangatangi Block. An important Ngāti Paoa pā site within the area was Puketui.
The northeast portion of the Mangatāwhiri Forest Conservation Block was originally part of the Poupipi Block, while the Richard Sylvan Memorial Scenic Reserve is located within the former Wharekawa 2 Block.
The west Mangatāwhiri Forest Conservation and the Paparimu Conservation areas, while not included in the land blocks previously mentioned, formed part of the cultural landscape in which Ngāti Paoa exercised customary rights.
Settlements and kāinga (villages) were situated in areas of high land with access to the waterways.
The southern Hūnua Ranges conservation sites, as well as the entire Hūnua Ranges are considered to hold significant traditional cultural value and are important to the identity and holistic well-being of Ngāti Paoa. The rich native bush vegetation proffered resources and food for the ancestors of Ngāti Paoa, and the waterways, whilst providing fresh water for drinking were also navigable and used as important transport routes between Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana (Firth of Thames) and the interior of the Waikato region.
