Thought I would copy this comment I received “Southbound” for two reasons
a.    To show that the “collective” as they call themselves or malcontents as I call them never showed up at Rehua and have never expressed their concerns – except through orchastrated leaks. Pleased that “Southbound” has picked these points up as I suspect others have.
b.    Awarua is having a hui on the 29th – but it is by invite only. If you are on their voting list and therefore should be entiled attend don’t hold your breath for an invitation. Marea Pera, the Tront rep, is a leading malcontent and behind the scenes of disruption, in my view is Tipene O’Regan the Awarua Upoku. Join the dots
c.    You can always tel 03 212 6029 for an invite – I will.
      
“As it turned out there was no cameras at Rehua.  Nothing ever beats being there in person anyway but I can understand where SHG is coming from.[ SHG lives in Aus]

The story so far is that a bunch of Ngai Tahu got together in secret because they say they have concerns.  They decide to take these concerns to the people via the pakeha media.  I can not agree that they have my interests at heart.

Why did they not just call meetings.  Or write to the CEO or other runanga or indeed record videos for youtube or whatever to get the message to the rest of the tribe.

Instead they go to the pakeha media who love to trash Maori and drag the name of Ngai Tahu through the mud.  If they had tried all those avenues then MAYBE… but maybe the real question is whether they are just making trouble or whether there is anything of genuine concern.

The same people plus a few more turned up unannounced in Kaikoura and put their case there and the people present did not buy it.  I read people complaining it was because more people that support Mark S turned up… HELLOOOOO!!!!! Is this not the point?  This is how you work out who the people believe or support. 

Still at least these concerned Ngai Tahu did turn up and put their case to the people on a marae.

But now that more meetings are being called they don't come to them.  These people may have valid concerns but unless they come to the meetings and put their views to the rest of Ngai Tahu in person then it becomes more likely that these concerns are without substance and are about personalities and politics.

They had the chance at Rehua to speak to over 200 Ngai Tahu and heaps of our elders.  But they stayed away.”

Now I see on the Ngai Tahu website that Awarua intend to exclude the majority of Ngai Tahu from going to the marae to hear what the concerns are and what the answers in response are.  Only members of Awarua and invitees can attend. 

I can accept excluding non-Ngai Tahu and the press, but if they are serious about there being concerns then all Ngai Tahu should be able to attend and hear them instead of getting all this second hand stuff.

There was a lot of people from the south that were at Rehua but many more have not had the chance to hear what the differing views are. 

Why more secret meetings?  Surely all Ngai Tahu are entitled to go to any of these meetings?

 

Mark Solomon has called a meeting at Rehua Marae at 2 pm Fri 20 March - this is now general knowledge among shareholders.

I have been given an as assurance that the hui will be recorded on film /video so that the hui will be available to shareholders.

This is a major step forward from the Hui a Tau at Waihopai in Nov 2005 when Tipene O'Regan accussed the Fishing Company of fraud; and he was fimed. I was then a Director of NTHC. There was nothing to this allegation ( as was proved independently) but mud sticks. Tried to get a copy of the film - but to no avail. Finally a copy was given to my lawyer but could not be published.

This in my view, was when all this fuss started

What the malcontents are seeking, in my view is power, power over the tribal assets    

A valid point was made in the comments in "Solomon Retains His Position"

"Hard to imagine how the two groups are ever going to get on… so are we in for a perpetual to-ing and fro-ing as they have turnabout at the top?

Where are our great peacemakers?

Who can bring the two sides together for the good of everyone. Is there anyone of mana independent of the two groups?

I hope people are working behind the scenes towards this end. The great mass of Ngai Tahu whanui would be keen to know as well I think."

"Busted Blond" from roarprawn said "agreed - so who do we have who are peacemakers?"

However that prompted me to reply:

BB Why do we need peacemakers? These malcontents should answer up to their Runanga and Runanga should decide their fate. Problem is that there are some Runanga are who are a closed shop- Awarua is a classic -see comments by Vera on this blog about this. Why should we kowtow to this tiny group whose recent covert scheme has just been outed? This group has been behaving in a disruptive manner for years. In my view, it all started shortly after the arrival of Potiki as CEO. Its being going on in one guise or another ever since. I have recorded a time line of these events. Tront knew what was happening but decided to either ignore what was happening and/or sought consensus (in good faith) hoping the problems would go away. The dissident Tront reps simply exploited the consensus approach. It would have been better - and I suggested this to some reps- to go to the shareholders and say this not working. My view, is no peacemakers, purge the rotten apples from the NT tray.

 

 

At a meeting at Kaikoura yesterday Mark Solomon retained his position as the Kaikoura representative.

Among those presnt were Tipene O'Regan, Tahu Potiki, Maria Pera, Te Marie Tau, Gabrielle Huria, Robin Wybrow etc who are part of the group, in view wishing to oust Mark and take control of the tribe.

They failed to oust Mark. This group and others -see my previous post - are completely discredited     

In my last post about the "Press" I did not have the info the "Press" had

The evidence is here on the NT web site under "Information Received"

 Just as I have been predicting there has been a well organised campaign to undermine Tront. Where does this place Runanga leaders invoved in this plot?

Resignations one hopes. The same fate should befall the Tront reps involved.

It would interesting to know whether the Tront reps involved have breeched their duties as Trustees

Note the email referred to is dated 1 Feb 2009 well before the start of start of leaks around 28 Feb. So there has been serious plotting going on for some time. 

Should "The Press" really continue to use Potiki as a columnist?

In my view, no. He is a thoroughly discredited individual up to his armpits in this campaign.

The story that "We have to be relatively discreet as whenever anyone in that tribe puts their hand up to make a criticism or generate debate, they are persecuted." is nonsense. I have been a critic of Tront and some of its members for some time on this blog. Tront welcomes healthy debate 

 

  News Leaks Were Last Resort - tribal leaders

"The Press" Sat 14th March 2009

 "A string of stories about Ngai Tahu unrest have been leaked as part of an orchestrated media campaign led by a former journalist.

Discontented Ngai Tahu leaders say they used the media as a last resort to inform whanau of serious ongoing issues at Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront).

The Press has been told the group's aim was to cause enough concern amongst Ngai Tahu members to support a legal challenge to its charter the document defining how Ngai Tahu's central body interacts with its 18 regional runanga.

Comment:The place to challenge the Charter is at the Tront table

The communication strategy was designed by former New Zealand Herald journalist Jon Stokes.
Members of the group who received a briefing document from Stokes, include former Tront chief executive officer and Otakou runanga chairman Tahu Potiki; Kaikoura runanga chairman Thomas Kahu; Hokonui runanga Tront representative Terry Nicholas and leader Netta Mackintosh; Wairewa runanga chairman Robin Wybrow; Awarua runanga chairwoman Hana Morgan; Ngati Waewae chairman Francois Tumahai and Tront representative Lisa Tumahai.

The briefing document and other emails on the strategy were leaked to The Press, illustrating the extent of the behind-the-scenes power struggle within the tribe.

In a February 1 email, Stokes identified Tront's plan to spend $52 million on a cultural centre and office block called House of Tahu as a "key plank" in the collective's message as it demonstrated Tront's lack of transparency and poor decision-making.

Stokes recommended using the issue to begin "a timeline of public criticism. Perhaps with a fresh and well thought out and supported issue each week".

Comment: The last two paragraphs demonstrate that this group had a covert PR strategy in my view to undermine Tront and NT Shareholders.  

The story made front-page news in The Press on February 21.Following those revelations would be the increase in kaiwhakahaere fees, which was highlighted in a New Zealand Herald article on February 28.

In it, Wybrow said he was "angry" at finding out about the increase through the media.

Comment: But Wybrow was a party to PR strategy. And was in my view complicit in the leak about fees.

According to an email, Wybrow and his runanga have committed $10,000 alongside other runanga to "clarify the role of Ngai Tahu Papatipu Runanga as members of Tront and to identify breaches of the charter that have occurred within Tront".

Comment: $10,000 that will not go to shareholders that his Runanga represents

Wybrow said he had heard some conjecture about an increase in fees, but did not know the details until phoned by a Herald journalist.

Runanga leaders were sick of being underfunded and shut out of decision-making and with no tribal elections for six years,

Comment: Wybrow needs to speak to his Runanga rep about this issue. Its clearly documented.

a. Potiki banned elections.

b. Underfunding of Runanga is a balance between Runanga and other commitments Wybrow should know this. 

-felt using the mainstream media was the only option, he said. "Legal redress and media aren't the preferred options, but unfortunately we don't feel there's any other mechanism to get these [issues] addressed."We have to be relatively discreet as whenever anyone in that tribe puts their hand up to make a criticism or generate debate, they are persecuted."

In the briefing document, Stokes said any legal avenues taken must be presented as a "last-resort mechanism taken by the collective to protect the interests of All Ngai Tahu Papatipu Runanga and Whanui members"."Perception of misuse of tribal funds, a culture of extravagance and lack of accountability within management are themes that will resonate and cause shared concern among all iwi members, and stimulate the interest of external groups," it said.Stokes said the existence of a concerned group of runanga leaders was no secret.

Comment: Its a little disingenuous of Stokes. After all his clients his clients did not want to know what was going on.   

Releasing information to the media was seen as an "expedient mechanism to communicate to other Ngai Tahu whanui", as there were no forums within the tribe's structures to resolve their concerns. Potiki said he had asked Stokes for advice but had no idea about any "negative publicity campaign".

Comment: This defies credibility. Potiki, as the ex CEO should know intimately where concerns can be aired. "No idea about any negative publicity" Yeah right - its so apt.  

"We have been majorly concerned about the fact Tront has involved itself in the management of the commercial assets which was never intended," he said.

Comment: Again Potiki, ex CEO, demonstrates:

a. he never knew the role/relationship of Tront vis NTHC which is to monitor the performance of NTHC on behalf of NT shareholders. Tront has never been involved in the management of NTHC.

b. he chooses ignore any knowledge he has

c. it does not suit his purpose as a major player, in view in this subversive group  

 

Potiki said there was no fund being set up to mount the legal challenge despite the email regarding Wybrow's commitment of $10,000.Kahu said his Kaikoura runanga was a non-financial contributor to the collective "at this stage".Mark Solomon said he would not be involved in further media debate on "current tribal issues"."

 

 

The following reports is in the "NZ Herald" . And a similar report in the "ODT" today see below

Comments: Potiki appears to be talking about three issues

a. "– conspiracy about against open speech" et al This seems to refers to advice given to Tront reps last Friday by the CEO Anake Goodall - see below. What the CEO was doing was repairing the damage done by various leaks by Tront Reps. Good advice in my book. Of course Potiki has never condoned the leaks- you would have expected he would as a the ex CEO. Or perhaps he and others are responsible for the leaks? Potoki thinks he and others are being gagged and bullied- a bully being bullied- I like it.

b. "Dirty tactics"  refers, in my view, to an email/letter with personal details of those involved in the current campaign to gain power. 10 names? That will include Tront Reps plus others including Potiki. The history of these individuals, does not make good reading particularly as they have or are responsible in some capacity in governance roles within Ngai Tahu. Potiki might be worried that his background might be exposed.

c. Potiki's, rather confussed messages in both papers, is likely, in my view, be a pre-emptive strike by him and his followers/conspiriters about what might be revealed in the next few days 

Watch The media in the next few days.

Update: Sat 14 March - see my latest post 

Oh yes - overnight I have heard there were no "hacked emails" Information was contained in paper copies of emails           

 

Ngai Tahu Faction Accused of Dirty Tricks- ODT

Conspiracy against open speech is causing difficulties inside one of the country's wealthiest iwi, a prominent Ngai Tahu member says.

Otakou Runanga chairman and former Ngai Tahu chief executive Tahu Potiki said he is no longer prepared to be intimidated by "dirty tactics", following allegations of private emails being hacked, and an anonymous letter delivered to the Otago Daily Times.

Iwi members who have spoken out against recent decisions, including the sacking of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation chairman Wally Stone and the proposed $52 million cultural centre, have been attacked for airing their opinions, Mr Potiki said.

"There seems to be a conspiracy against open speech."

In other developments, Mr Potiki said he was aware of private emails circulating that appear to have been hacked and released to other recipients without their consent.

"This is not how people envisaged Ngai Tahu democracy should unfold."

This week, an anonymous typewritten letter was delivered to the Otago Daily Times concerning iwi members - viewed as being against Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere (chairman) Mark Solomon.

The letter alleges "there has been and continues to be a carefully managed and orchestrated effort to pull down the walls of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront)", and names 10 iwi members, including Mr Potiki.

It appeared anyone who questioned the direction of Tront became the subject of a smear campaign, he said.

"It has become like a socialist government."

Tension between the commercial and political bodies of Ngai Tahu, which has an asset base of more than $600 million, spilled over last month following the surprise dumping of Mr Stone.

In a statement Mr Solomon refused to comment on the "current tribal issues Ngai Tahu is experiencing".

"I have taken this stance because the path forward for Ngai Tahu is to return to our values as a tribe and I am confident that we will resolve these matters through open and honest discussions on the marae.

"Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu is obligated to act in the best interests of Ngai Tahu Whanui, and it is for this reason that I have called a meeting of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu for us to address these matters as a responsible board."

Last month, Kaikoura runanga kaumatua requested Mr Solomon resign as their representative, calling for another person to stand in the June elections.

Mr Solomon has refused to comment on the future of his position, saying "the place to debate tribal politics is the marae".

A special closed door meeting between Tront representatives was held was held in Christchurch today, with an open hui scheduled for March 20.

A request by the ODT to attend the open hui was turned down by Ngai Tahu.

NZ Herald
Ngai Tahu turmoil turns nasty
4:00AM Friday Mar 13, 2009
By Yvonne Tahana

Internal revolt within Ngai Tahu is continuing, with seven tribal leaders banding together to push for change from within their governing body, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront).

Some of them say that because they've spoken out, a "nasty" campaign has started, which includes an anonymous letter being sent to media naming 10 iwi members and alleging, among other things, that some associate with rapists and murderers.

The typewritten note was sent to the Otago Daily Times this week. The author identifies the 10 as anti-Tront iwi members.

Otakou Runanga chairman Tahu Potiki said the letter amounted to "threatening, bully-boy tactics".

He also alleged that his emails to other iwi leaders had been hacked.

For three weeks, the tribe has been in turmoil, a situation started by revelations it would be spending $52 million over four years on a cultural centre. Last month, Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation chairman Wally Stone, who advised against that spending in the current market, was dismissed.

Mr Potiki said asking for "transparency" had seen all sorts of "hell" break loose.

"This is because we want to have a debate about how much a building costs, how much senior management get paid and why they got rid of Wally Stone. In [a Ngai Tahu] election year, these are reasonable questions to ask, yet these nutbars think they can shut down all discussion because they want to hold on to power.

"And they think they're going to intimidate us with this sort of crap."

Chairmen from seven of 18 papatipu runanga - the constituents that make up Tront - yesterday publicly called for radical change in the way Te Runanga interacts with their members. They represent Hokonui, Otakou, Arowhenua, Awarua, Wairewa, Kaikoura and Ngati Waewae.

The Herald requested an interview with Tront chairman Mark Solomon. But a spokeswoman said he was unavailable. In a written statement, he said he would not be involved in any further media debate.

Awarua runanga chairwoman Hana Morgan said too many important decisions were being made in committee, without any accountability to members, eroding papatipu rights.

"We've tried going through our representative," she said. "They [Tront] ignore us. We've said, 'Come to the marae, listen to what we're saying'. They don't do that. It's like we're becoming invisible."

Advice to TRoNT Representatives on Confidentiality Issues

The Kaiwhakahaere is aware that there are a number of Papatipu Rūnanga who are holding meetings this weekend and that many of you will face questions on the matters which have been in the media over the last two weeks and on other issues of significance to Ngāi Tahu Whānui.

It is important that the Representatives and the rūnanga members are able to discuss as openly as possible the matters of importance to them. However, it is also important to be mindful of the Representatives' legal obligations as trustees and Representatives not to disclose information which will ultimately be harmful to Ngāi Tahu Whānui and / or innocent third parties.

The Kaiwhakahaere has asked the Office to prepare an overview of the issues you should be aware of with respect to your responsibilities as Representatives and trustees with regard to confidential information. More importantly, to provide some guidance as to how you might respond to some of the questions that will be raised, but not to be in breach of these duties.

This advice is set out below.

Confidentiality

Te Rūnanga Representatives must remain aware of their fundamental duties to act in the best interest of Ngāi Tahu Whānui as a whole and of their responsibilities as kaitiaki and trustees of the interests and assets of the tribe.

It is accepted that within an iwi context our people are interested in almost all matters which may come before Te Rūnanga. The policy of Te Rūnanga is to be open and transparent about as many things as we can be. Information should not be withheld just because it may cause some minor reputational harm to Te Rūnanga or the Te Rūnanga Group.

However, there are matters which should, and indeed must, be discussed in confidence. Even for those matters, it is the policy of Te Rūnanga to release the outcomes of all decisions made "in committee" unless there is a good reason for them to remain confidential.

Where information is to remain confidential it is because the information contains matters which may create legal and or commercial risks to the Te Rūnanga Group if made public. The release of such information can have negative impact on individuals. It may also place at risk our commercial operations. It is important to note that for the most part information which is confidential to the Te Rūnanga Group is appropriately managed.

The issues of confidentiality within the Te Rūnanga Group are shared by many other organisations, be they iwi organisations, local government or companies. However, if there is a constant risk that confidential matters may be politicised or publicised then eventually there will be a reluctance for people to enter into commercial or other arrangements with any entity within the Te Rūnanga Group including NTHC. It is also possible that the inappropriate disclosure of confidential information will result in actual financial losses which may in turn give rise to legal proceedings against Te Rūnanga, NTHC and / or the individuals who disclosed the information.

What things can Representatives discuss with Rūnanga?

It is okay to talk about all matters which are not confidential. In respect of most of the confidential matters which have now been disclosed to the media it is okay to talk in general terms about most of the issues that have been raised and the background to those issues provided this is done responsibly and carefully.

This is because in circumstances where the issues are already in the public arena the "cloak of confidentiality" has been lifted to a certain extent. However, Representatives should still take care not to -

• identify what the whakaaro was of other Representatives (without their permission);
• refer to matters not already in the public arena; and
• make adverse statements about employees within the Te Rūnanga Group or NTHC Board members.

Representatives should also try to give an objective view of the issues raised so that the whānui get a sense of the range of things which Te Rūnanga may have considered before making a decision.

House of Tahu

It is clear that much of the detail of the preliminary decision of Te Rūnanga with respect to the House of Tahu has been leaked to the media. Therefore, it is appropriate for Rūnanga Representatives to respond to the media reports and to provide some context for the decision which was taken.

For instance it could be noted that Te Rūnanga -

• has made no final decision on the House of Tahu;
• has simply agreed in principle to proceed with a project to build the House of Tahu, which comprises a commercial office building and a cultural centre;
• has asked for some information from NTHC and NTP so that the design and business case can be finalised;
• has asked for information from NTHC on financial implications (given the economic climate); and
• will not be making a final decision until this information has been received.

If after receiving this information Te Rūnanga does agree to proceed with the House of Tahu project -

• the project would probably proceed in stages;
• the initial outlay to keep the project progressing is modest; and
• the actual construction of the buildings will not start until Te Rūnanga can afford to pay for it and the financial outlook has shown considerable improvement.

The media has not reported on the context or the benefits to Te Rūnanga and to Ngāi Tahu Whānui of the House of Tahu project. As these are not matters which are confidential Representatives are free to discuss those issues.

Salaries

Information claiming to relate to the salaries of the Kaiwhakahaere and Deputy Kaiwhakahaere has appeared in the media. Mark has since made his base salary of $155,000 p.a. public. Rūnanga Representatives may wish to comment on the way in which these figures are set and the usual reporting of salaries within the Te Rūnanga Group.

It could be noted that the figures quoted in the media did not relate to the salaries of the Kaiwhakahaere and Deputy Kaiwhakahaere at all. The actual figures are reported on a quarterly basis to Te Rūnanga and so each of the Representatives has access to those figures. Te Rūnanga publishes the salary bands and numbers of persons receiving those salaries in the Annual Report.

The remuneration for the Kaiwhakahaere, Deputy Kaiwhakahaere and CEO of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is set by the Contracts Review Committee. This committee is Chaired by an independent employment consultant and has four Te Rūnanga Representatives on the Committee. The Te Rūnanga Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson also reviews the terms and remuneration of contractors engaged by the Office and provides summary reports to Te Rūnanga.

Appointment of interim Chair NTHC

There were a number of media articles which speculated on the reason that Wally Stone was replaced as the Chair of NTHC and removed from the Board. There has also been a statement by the Kaiwhakahaere as to the reasons for the decision. As these matters are in the public arena Representatives may discuss these and related matters.

These media articles included claims that the decision of Te Rūnanga was based on -

• personality politics between Mark Solomon and Wally Stone;
• issues over the House of Tahu;
• internal tensions between Te Rūnanga and NTHC; and
• the need to keep the management of the businesses of Te Rūnanga separated from the governance.

In addition, the Kaiwhakahaere released a statement to all Papatipu Rūnanga, Representatives and Alternates on the decision. The core part of that statement is set out below -

Over the past 12 months Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has been conducting a governance review to ensure accountability from all its entities and tighter integration between them. The review has highlighted on-going concerns with the level of responsiveness of Holdings, particularly in regard to key initiatives/projects initiated by Te Rūnanga. At a meeting on 22 February, Te Rūnanga appointed Linda Constable as interim chair of the Holdings board. It was the expressed view of Te Runanga that the time had arrived for a new set of skills to take the Holdings board forward with greater levels of accountability. Linda Constable will complete the governance review work and begin the implementation phase.

The media was also made privy to, and published excerpts from, an internal and confidential document written some four months ago by a Senior Manager. The document contained some thoughts on aspects of the relationship between NTHC and Te Rūnanga. While it is now in the public arena the release of the contents of the memorandum has caused considerable distress to employees within the Te Rūnanga Group and to their families. As the e-mail from the Kaiwhakahaere dated 25^th February stated "the release of that document into the public arena can not be condoned at any level" and therefore the details of the document should not be discussed with the Whānui to avoid any further distress to those individuals.

However, you may wish to discuss with your whānau when you first became aware of the document and the circumstances in which that occurred.

Governance Review

Te Rūnanga is in the process of ensuring that all of the entities within the Group take up the challenges and the responsibilities as they are set out in the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act 1996 and our Charter. Many aspects of the review are now completed and it is appropriate to discuss these matters with the Whānui.

For approximately 18 months Te Rūnanga has carefully worked through a process of reviewing some of our internal governance arrangements to address some internal governance issues. In the main, these related to Te Rūnanga taking up its responsibilities as trustee of the Ngāi Tahu Charitable Trust. While some matters were related to the role of NTHC, Te Rūnanga has also be working to improve its own processes with a goal of providing clarity of direction and focus for all of the entities.

In that time Te Rūnanga has -

• established Group wide policies for appointments to Boards that ensure the process is open and transparent;
• established monitoring protocols to aid accountability and reporting processes;
• established an investment advisory sub-committee to provide external advice to Te Rūnanga on intergenerational investment strategies;
• placed two Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu on the Board of NTHC, primarily to improve information flows and the relationship between Te Rūnanga and the NTHC Board;
• instituted a new approach to planning in which it is Te Rūnanga, not our subsidiaries or the Office, who sets the agenda for the year; and
• appointed Linda Constable as interim Chair of NTHC to complete this aspect of a governance review.

The final stages of the governance review process are underway. When completed Te Rūnanga expects that the roles of NTHC, the Office and Te Rūnanga itself will once again be aligned with the Charter.

Nāhaku noa, nā

Anake Goodall

Chief Executive Officer

 

 This was posted on the roarprawn blog yesterday

"We posted this yesterday . It was sent out by Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu ( TRONT) to all Runanga by CE Angus Goodall . It was about that fact that the Rapaki runanga( Ngati Wheke) no longer considered deputy chairman( kaiwhakhaere) of Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu as their representative."

    "There has been a number of questions directed to the Office recently with
    respect to the position of Donald Couch, the Deputy Kaiwhakahaere. There
    has also been speculation in the media that Donald had been removed as the
    Representative for Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke. Being mindful of the legal
    obligations and the potential legal liabilities associated with this matter, we
    are currently in the process of taking formal advice. Until that
    advice is received and a decision upon it can be made, Te Rūnanga's secretariat
    is of the view that Donald Couch remains the Representative for Te Hapū o Ngāti
    Wheke and that he also continues to hold the role of Deputy Kaiwhakahaere. This
    is consistent with the position that Te Rūnanga has taken in the past in similar
    situations. Noho ora mai."

   "Today we received three copies of this letter that Rapaki sent to Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu CE Angus Goodall."

       " Tutehounuku Korako

        Anake, tena ra koe,

        Ko tenei te reo poroaki ki a ratou kua whetu rakitia, ratou nga kahuiwhetu i te raki, eokie koutou e. Ratou te hunga wairua kia ratou, tatou nga urupa kanohi o ratou ma ki a tatou, nei nga mihi.

        Firstly, we note your response to all of Ngai Tahu Whanui regarding the removal of Donald Couch as the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (TRONT) Representative from Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga and we are concerned that such a memo was sent when there had been no direct communication from you, or the Office, with the Chair of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga. We believe this is remarkably disrespectful and politically motivated.

        Secondly, Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga is in no doubt who now represents our Runanga at TRONT. Donald Couch’s term as Representative expired some time ago and, although he remained in that position, it was at the discretion Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga. On March 1 at the General Runanga Meeting at Te Wheke Marae, Rapaki, Donald Couch resigned from his position as Chair and was removed as our TRONT Representative. As per the Charter of TRONT we have notified TRONT that our Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga Representative, Donald Couch, has ceased to hold office.

        We are not aware of any provision that would allow the Office of TRONT to not recognise the receipt of that notice and the acceptance of Donald Couch’s removal. It is our view that it is incumbent upon TRONT to recognise the tino rangatiratanga of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga and any legal advice or challenge regarding his removal is a Papatipu Runanga matter and will be dealt with accordingly at that level.

        As Donald Couch is no longer our Representative then, as per the Charter, the Alternate Representative, Kopa Lee, now becomes the Representative and he will be attending all future TRONT meetings as the Representative for Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga.

        We also note that the TRONT Representatives for Moeraki, Waihao, Taumutu and Tuahiwi have all been appointed to TRONT in a similar fashion with full acceptance by TRONT.

Comment: This may be so. But it was agreed by all Runanga some time ago to suspend all elections of Runanga Reps until a new electoral system was agreed. The new system was agreed in Sept last year

          It is the intention of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga to hold a properly constituted election as soon as possible.

        Heoi ano
        Tutehounuku Korako

        Chairman

        Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga"

The following are comments from the blog on this post. "Nuk" is Tutehounuku Korako. Interesting that others are picking up on the NTHC "consultants" I mentioned in an earlier post

Lucy said:
Please help me I am confused. Is this the 'way of Maori'? or is it a few 'chancers' trying to gain control and using maori protocols inapprpriately?

12 March 2009 19:20

bustedblode said:
bloody good question lucy. Basically the 18 runanga - the area councils elect a rep to sit at the table - the tribal governing council. So the tribal council vote to get rid of Wally. The people get really grumpy. Donald Couch was the deputy of the tribal council - but his area council calls a meeting and he goes.
The Tribal council says there are doubts over process. The area council thinks there are no issues and they have made decision they think the tribal council should respect. Its about governance , andpower and its bloody sad.

12 March 2009 19:57

Ananoymous said:
This chancer I hear worked for Ngai Tahu Holding Corp. Does anyone know if he did or does? I think he is one of the well paid consultants.

12 March 2009 22:08

Anonymous said:
Nuk turns up with a posse led by the Rep for Waewae and attempts to wrangle Donald out of office. He forgot to read the rules - or is arrogant enough to think that the rules of the runanga don't count? Anyway - when someone points out that this is not the wild west he just stamps his feet like a spoilt child. Not leadership material imho.

The good people of Rapaki, as opposed to the rentacrowd, may well wish to follow due process and remove our representative and to elect a new chair person (or not)who knows. The problem for now is that we agreed to some pesky rules a while back and until they are changed we are bound to follow them.

There is a postal ballot coming up. Maybe Nuk should put his name forward here. Or maybe he thinks he has a better show at Tuahiwi? Or maybe he will have no show once everyone gets to know him better.

So for now Nuk the pretender to the throne is not in fact chair of our runanga and Donald is in fact still our Rep.

As for BB, for someone looking to expose the truth you obviously can't see the wood for the trees.

Have you asked any of the folks who voted to get rid of Wally what the issues were?

Are you confident the posse that wants to depose Mark and Donald so they can seize control of the tribal assets have the sort of impeccable credentials we can trust?

13 March 2009 00:48

Anonymous said:

The following are excerpts written by "Hemi" on the Ngai Tahu Shareholders Site. I thought they were so so good that they should be noted under this Post. Thank you Hemi.

"There are many untold stories in this sorry saga. Most are best left untold.
The good news is that there are a number of ethical representatives who don’t carry tales to the papers and who are slowly but surely cleaning up some very unsavoury situations that have existed for some time now. They are looking to improve accountabilty and transparency of both Te Runanga and NTHC.

No more secret contracts for the favoured few. Te Runanga already reports on the contractors working for them. Maybe HC will do the same under the new regime.

No more politcally motivated “runanga development projects” where there is no accountability. The Office has almost every item of expenditure examined. Maybe HC will do better under the new regime.

Hopefully no more paying out unjustified and exhorbitant exit packages although there is probably a new queue forming. These are always the subject of confidentiality agreements. Here is hoping both TR and HC get this under control.

Whenever you see a runanga chair complaining about something Te Runanga has done and lamenting the recent changes, have a long think about why that might be. Why do they complain against openness and transparency? What are their ambitions? Just how many of them fancy being the Kaiwhakahaere?

So beware of those who come to your runanga and tell you that you need to replace the Reps who are doing the cleanup job. Could it be that they want a return to the bad old days? In other words - ask them outright what is in it for them?" - Good on you Hemi.

As for me:
I am also interested to know is: Tutehounuku Korako
Chairman
Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga

one of those highly paid consultants engaged by Wally Stone to further assist the ambitions of some?

Send him back to Tuahiwi I say.

13 March 2009 01:34

Anonymous said:
what's with the Angus Goodall. Isn't his name Anake?

13 March 2009 01:40

Anonymous said:
Agree with the arrogance of the person calling himself the Chairman of Rapaki - not.
Watch him run a mile he can't take real pressure.

13 March 2009 01:48

Sandy says:

Nuk is a well repected business man in his own right and certainly not of the low calibre of the 11 table members who are holding the tribe to ransom to protect the pay packet of Solomon.

Gutter politics is what these people and their misguided supporters use. The question to ask is; who has authority over regional (area) councils? It is the constituency the people who whakapapa to that region and therefore are entilted to go to meetings and vote. If they vote to remove someone then that is their decision, thats democarcy.

The bigger issue the one the tribe seem to be taking their attention off is when are the 18 tribal council members going to run democratic elections? Is all of this debacle to halt elections yet again? Is this the only way the 11 will keep their seats by continuing to stall the process?

13 March 2009 07:27

Anonymous said:

Nuk says he is the Chair

Nuk says Donald has been removed (and bugger the rules)

Nuk says he did not get any letter in response

well it must all be true - because Nuk has said it is so and BB has published it

and BB says "the people get really grumpy" when wally was removed - the grumpy ones might be grumpy but the question is why are they grumpy

perhaps they are grumpy because they see the gravy train has been derailed and they are upset

openness and transparency makes it hard to hide the fact that some of the grumpy ones were doing very nicely over the last wee while and some were looking forward to doing nicely in the future

and if they get their way by spreading lies and deceit they may well get back to a place where they control the cheque books

some have already been in charge of the tribal chequebooks…

but as Hemi says "some stories are best left untold" or are they?

13 March 2009 07:39

Anonymous said:
So Nuk is a well respected business man in his own right.

I guess if Nuk says it is so then it must be so. Everyone should make their own inquiries and make up their minds on facts not just because someone on a blog says it is so.

I wonder who it was who put a spoke in the wheel of the Rapaki postal voting process. Was it Donald? No it was Nuk armed with bad advice from yet another paid contractor from NTHC.

Anyone see the pattern emerging.

13 March 2009 07:54

 

Today I received the email below headed Act of Treason

"My whanau express the latest media acts by those few who dont
understand the democratic process as inciting treason. Accordingly
they have sent Mark an email expressing their support for him.  They
also state that the focus placed on the Kaiwhakahaere in the media
seems to be a strategy of discrediting him.

These few minority, need to understand not everyone is as uninformed
as they are. 

 In addition, for Awarua to send out a petition asking iwi members to
put pen to paper and ask for Mr Solomans removal shows how insidious
the lengths the minority few will go to. OOps did this go to the
wrong people????????????

So whanau, speak out, show how you find this unacceptable
unprofessional manner in which these few are presenting themselves.

We know better, we are better.
Nou te rourou, naku te rourou, ka ora te iwi, Tihei Mauri Ora

Lydia Matenga (Ngai Tahu File list no 43)"

 

This is a report from a Runanga Representative that gives, another perspective on what has been happening at Tront. I have had to paraphrase the report a bit because the report is quite long and some of it not relevant to current issues.
 

It concerns two Tront meetings. One on the 24/25 Jan 07 and the other on the 22nd of Feb 07 when a decision was made to remove Wally Stone. I have provided comments

Meeting Procedural Issues

The meeting started with the usual procedural motion to confirm Donald Couch as Chair of the meeting. Just to remind our members this arrangement stemmed from a resolution passed at a TRONT meeting held at Hokonui in 2007 during the Tables “difficulties” where the Kaiwhakahaere agreed to vacate the chairing of meetings in favour of the Deputy Kaiwhakahaere as a concession to those who were still vehemently opposing him.

This arrangement regarding the Chairing of meetings would stand until such time as
the TRONT Representative elections had been completed after which the Kaiwhakahaere would stand down and an election for the position of Kaiwhakahaere follow. Following this process a newly returned or newly elected Kaiwhakahaere would then chair future meetings.

As has been the practise since Hokonui a minority number of Representatives voted
against the Deputy Kaiwhakahaere Chairing the meeting.

Comment: How can you run any meeting be it Tront (who are Trustees of assets worth approx $600ml) or say a local golf club, school trustees, even Directors of a public company, when some elected members behave in this manner. This is appalling behaviour from some representatives who claim to represent the interest of NT shareholders. I thinks clear, if you have read posts here, who the people are.       

Hostilities Resumed
On face value this agreement at Hokonui last year represented an end to hostilities. In my view the underlying problems have always been twofold:
1.A lack of acceptance on the part of some Representatives regarding the outcomes of agreed democratic process within Te Runanga

 2. An underlying undermining of the concept of an enduring tribal entity such as Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.  

These whakaaro might sound radical or way out but believe I do often hear these themes emerging in korero from some Representatives and overshadowing their contributions.  I have always said the hard part in sustaining the success of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu is in getting the balance between the needs of the centre, the regional papatipu runaka and wider Kai Tahu Whanui addressed in the right balance. 

Some say it’s been ten years since Settlement and we should have made more progress in addressing the regional development needs.  I am aware that some of our members are impatient that this aspiration is not being met fast enough and impeded because of the Centres needs.

Comment: I will write about this issue in a post later.

Wally Stone.

My hypothesis is that the removal of Wally Stone, who is perceived as a champion against central organisation development in some quarters of Kai Tahu Whanui triggered the latest opening of the hakehake.  Now, the criticism and focus has moved to more calls for Mark Solomon to stand aside as Kaiwhakahaere with lots of allegation and statements placed out in our networks and directly into the media. This jump seems a quantum leap from where we started with Wally Stones removal but I don’t believe so. I think that the leaks and other material have been well orchestrated to progress a wider kaupapa.

Existing Position of your Representative.

If all available relevant information I could lay my hands on led me to decide that there was veracity and accuracy within this information that is being bandied about I would likely support such a call for removal.

However, I believe these recent demands for Mark Solomons resignation are a complete crock and largely led by the same group of disaffected Kai Tahu. There’s no doubt that some of our whanauka who have climbed into the e-mail fray have done so with good intent.

In fact it’s probably accurate that all pundits consider they are acting in the best interests of Ngai Tahu Whanui one way or another or at least the interests of their particular papatipu runaka.

Fundamentally though to me it’s about fighting to ensure we have transparency within our processes and that fair play and natural justice prevails within Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu.

Unfortunately some of our Representatives and others can’t see the wood for the trees. I have not changed my position regarding the concept of an enduring tribal structure or support for our papatipu runaka as the whatumanawa of our hapu ent.

I believe there are many half truths and selective snippets of information being put out there on the internet and spread by word of mouth which might seem credible on a cursory or first inspection.  However, because they are half truths and partial facts, what’s missing of course is the whole assemblage of associated facts which normally allows you to get a full 360degree view.

It is unfair that Mark Solomon has become such a focus for criticism.  In his role as Kaiwhakahaere he is fronting the media response on the decisions taken by the TRONT table which I am of course a party to.  In casting Mark into the character of bad guy it would seem some of our whanauka think he is completely responsible for decisions taken by the Table which is of course grossly incorrect.

We are following the TRONT way and our own media policy.  Part of that policy is that the Kaiwhakahaere will be the only Representative to respond to media enquiries. The intention is that one voice is heard and this minimises the opportunity for conflicting korero to be put in the media.

SPECIAL MEETING HELD SUNDAY 22ND FEBRUARY

During the course of an ordinary Meeting convened on Sunday afternoon to consider the NTHC quarterly report Wally Stone was removed as Chairperson of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation. As the meeting was held in committee I ask your support for my position and intention to abide by the commitment I made when I came to the Table to uphold the mana of the Table and its Standing Orders including confidentiality.

I am unable to give you detailed information on the issue. However I can express my view that for me the issue was about the style of leadership that I believed was apparent (a confidence issue) with Wally Stone and which I did not believe was in sync with the proposed governance instruments that have emerged from the Governance Review process which I hope will be passed at the March meeting.

I also had considerable concern about the impact of some particular decisions taken which I did not believe were in the best interests of the organisation. I seek your support for the decision taken which I consider is in the best interests of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and moving into the future. 

 

Following is the press release made on Monday by Mark Solomon.

“Kia ora koutou, I am emailing to inform you that Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu decided on Sunday afternoon to appoint Linda Constable as Interim Chair of Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation, replacing Wally Stone.Wally Stone has held the role of Chair for two years, during which he has contributed to the stabilisation and consolidation of our commercial portfolio.  Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu are grateful for his stewardship of the tribal assets and consider that Ngāi Tahu has benefited from his clear focus and standard of care.As we move into a new economic climate, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu decided it was appropriate to appoint a new Chair with a skill set fitting the current climate.  Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation Ltd is in a strong and healthy financial position and I am confident that we are well placed to tackle any challenges that arise from the recession.Linda Constable, appointed Interim Chair, has a long history with Ngāi Tahu, as the Manager of Kaupapa Taiao for a number of years and has been on the Board of Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation since 2005.  Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has every confidence in her ability to lead Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation as we implement the streamlining of the Te Rūnanga Group (all companies owned by TRoNT).  Te Rūnanga has been reviewing our governance arrangements over the last 12 months and Linda will oversee the implementation of the Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation aspects of this review.  This work will further strengthen the commercial position and operations of Ngāi Tahu Holdings Corporation. 

These decisions are already attracting media interest.  I have attached the media release that was distributed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu a short time ago.  I have also asked each Te Rūnanga Representative to make contact with their Rūnanga Chair or Upoko."

More Media Leakage

The media have focused on a confidential report written by Tony Gray (one of Anake’s General Managers) last November. It was correspondence between the two and was never intended for distribution to the Table. I believe this confidential report was given to the media as supposed evidence of a politicised Office actively plotting to remove the Chair of NTHC. I can say the report was not relevant information pertaining to the decision taken to remove Wally Stone. The report is available should you want to read it for yourself.

Not long following the January TRONT meeting it does seem clear that a person/persons with full access to the confidential information of the Table provided the in committee minutes to the press. I have confidence in saying that I do not consider the culprit is a staff person. This sort of action is not an unknown phenomena to us unfortunately and learning’s from governance training I have received informs me that the person responsible will be someone who feels alienated and does not have ownership of decisions taken. 

House Of Tahu.

The Christchurch Press and other daily papers on 21 February ran stories that TRONT had agreed to spend $52million building a cultural centre and Office block on the King Edward Barracks site and citing quotes from a Runaka Chairperson who wished to remain anonymous.  I give no credibility to anything if a person isn’t willing to say who they are. On face value one might think this report must be true and accurate as reported but no…this is again not the full story. It has caused much disquiet amongst many of our people and some have been moved to write publicly to express their displeasure.

* It is a fact that a revised business case was presented to TRONT by the House of Tahu committee who are made of up TRONT Representatives and Ngai Tahu Property advisors.

* It is a fact that TRONT has agreed in principle to take the project which covers the whole footprint of the King Edward Barracks site to the next stage which involves consultation with Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation.

* It is a fact that the Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation Board has not yet considered the full business case.

Further progress is contingent on cornerstone tenants being confirmed which underpins the commercial aspect of the project and which will essentially balance the cost of a corporate Headquarters which is estimated to cost $10 million. Other options can still be considered e.g. leasing another building.

It is clear that we have to vacate our current premises at 158 Hereford St by 2013 as the building owner wants to do other things with the building.

Interestingly enough Wally Stone is reported on 26 February in the Christchurch Press as saying he considers his advice against proceeding with the House of Tahu project was something runanga board members did not necessarily want to hear. However, as I have earlier reported the Ngai Tahu Holdings Corp Board have not yet considered the proposal so this assertion is quite misleading.

Undoubtedly more will unfold over the coming weeks. I am resolute in my determination in holding to the whakaaro which I have detailed to you in this report and seek your tautoko for the positions I am taking.