This blog is a good start towards fostering democracy in the 21st century- locally, regionally, nationally and globally.
I am reminded of the old saying 'freedom of the press is the basis of democracy' – and I guess these days, anything you post on the web is the equivalent to being on the front page of the newspaper. So bring it on! I prefer the term 'shareholder' to beneficiary. In my view the Iwi is now a corporate entity, worth over $500 million. It is time every New Zealander of Ngai Tahu descent thought of themselves as ashareholder – with a stake in the future of Te Wai Pounamu.
I am almost relieved the debacle at the TRONT table has happened.It was inevitable. Thankfully our tribal wealth/assets are protected,and hopefully governed and managed at arms length from the political body. Albeit with the some very long fingers still in the pie.
Regardless of the current risks, the separation of the body politic
from the business arm has given us some much needed time and space.
So lets begin to debate the issues and explore ideas, with a view to finding an acceptable and workable political body (parliament). One that will serve Ngai Tahu whanau whanui into 21st century and beyond. Lets seize this opportunity, to explore the possibilities. Ngai Tahu has about 170 years experience of finding, creating, and adapting traditional Iwi/tribal structures and tikanga (ways of doing things) with democratising concepts and principles. So lets learn the lessons from recent events and move on. Lets dream.
Here are some questions to ask ourselves:
– How do we increase participation of our 40,000 or so Ngai Tahu whanau whanui shareholders?
– How do we increase every registered Ngai Tahu shareholders (aka beneficiary) knowledge and understanding of their ability and duty to hold the TRONT trustees to account(vote)?
– How do we establish an open, transparent and robust voting process, which delivers a value adding board? (ie integrity, credibility, accountability, competency,diversity,acceptability, mana)
– How do we make sure trustees always serve the best interests of Ngai Tahu whanau whanui (shareholders)?
– How do we ensure the values and principles of NgaiTahutanga(tribalism) are promoted, while reducing the risks of nepotism and self interest developing?
– How do we foster a culture of debate, which recognises the value of oppossing views as the best way to find durable consensus?
That will do for now. Tino rangatiratanga- Mo tatou, a mo ka uri ake nei.
Comments:
Liz asks some very good questions that need debate. Lets hear what you think.
Richard