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Why Compete for Crowded Space?

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on February 8th, 2012

In a Parliament where the Governments majority looks shakey and decisions may get through on a slim margin of just one vote can we operate differently in Opposition?

On the opposition benches there will be a number of Parties who will vote against Asset Sales. Labour was unequivocal at the 2011 election SoEs were Not For Sale. But the country has voted and National will drive ahead with its agenda, despite widespread concern from Maori about inadequate protections as affirmed in s.9 of the SoE Act.

Rather than delve into the debate, I wanted to raise whether there was an opportunity for a culture shift in the way opposition parties attacked the Government on specific BIG ISSUES like Asset Sales, like Growing Inequality, Like Children Living in Poverty. Some may consider this a broad coalition of the opposition, and to be frank post-election it will be an organic exercise.

Could it be an opportunity for doing things differently in opposition in an MMP environment – your thoughts?


No Room for Dithering on Treaty of Waitangi

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on February 6th, 2012

Happy Waitangi Day! Throughout the country people will be celebrating a day that reminds us who we are, and how our country was founded – at least I would like to think that is the case. At Waitangi there will be celebration, but only after the intial flexing of ‘treaty right’ muscle most notable from those who feel offended by the lack of progress.

Perspective is a great moderator of opinion and even though our nation can still be consider a young 172 years in the making – the way forward remains very clear.

Our path as a nation predicates itself on the Treaty of Waitangi as a founding document which in its time has been the focal point of debate that has shaped our sense of nationhood. Maori as tangata whenua, continue to assert a prerogative for doing things differently. Perspectives regarding environmental stewardship are most keenly asserted by tangata whenua who want to preserve our natural resource inheritance for future generations. This year we might expect evidence of this in debates regarding increased mineral use, oil exploration and growing angst in the reliance of our economy on fossil fuels and thermal power generation. On this front the great majority of Maori opinion would see itself at the centre of a renewable energy programme of action and potentially helping to lead the low carbon economic agenda. Now the Crown might do well to see how Treaty claimants and post-settlement iwi might partner investment in this area rather than looking offshore. Even in the research and development space, some iwi should be approached by the Governments CRIs to partner ‘cutting edge’ projects as a real opportunity to do things differently.

A strong driver of opinion on s. 9 of the SoE Act will be the potential impact of the National Governments agenda on natural resources. A case in point from my own electorate is the process Genesis is currently embarking on to renew its 35year consents to take water. Waikato-Tainui may do well to consider their position on consents against a backdrop of any proposed sale of energy companies. Shorter consents may prove no certainty for private interests. But, if the National Government in selling SoEs presume they have the absolute right to divest 49% of their shareholding on behalf of Maori – think carefully. Tainui tested s.9 in the CoalCorp case which was a predecessor to the 1995 Waikato Raupatu Settlement. When the National Government undertook to separate ECNZ into 3 energy companies Tainui sought an undertaking from the Minister via the High Court that by doing so, the tribes interests in the Waikato river would not be prejudicially affected. The 2008 Waikato River Settlement contains a clause that gives Tainui first right of refusal over the Huntly Power station. No position on water rights was reached by the then Labour Government or the National government. This remains a live issue for many competing water users – but there are many roads to Rome and it could well be time to revisit water allocation and consent rights.

I would be very interested to see an opinion from Crown Law on the ability of the Crown to sell a 49% shareholding in Crown Assets without the full resolution of Treaty Settlement claims. At a political level one can only deduce that National has a high level of comfort in selling energy companies first because of the perceived interest from iwi like Ngai Tahu and Tainui. But as tribal members will confirm, no solid proposal or business case has been revealed. Neither iwi nor ‘mum and dad investors’ should be scapegoats for an over-zealous ideology.

These are interesting times and as we also enter the Year of the Dragon – the lack of political leadership on the Treaty of Waitangi may unleash a Taniwha….just saying.


Minister of Education sending Mixed messages

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on February 3rd, 2012

BIM reports released yesterday gave a snapshot of where Government officials were at with National’s policy programme of action.

Interestingly in the Education portfolio, the Treasury report was more informative about planned intentions then the Education BIM itself. A suggestion to increase class sizes ignores previous evidence and experience which shows that benefits to students learning will be marginal at best.

The Ministry of Education BIM states that:

“Central to improving student achievement is the quality of the learning environment and the interaction between a student and teacher that takes place within that environment. Highly effective teaching makes the biggest difference to student achievement within the education system. First and foremost good teachers acknowledge the language, culture, and identity of a student and utilise that to support student learning. They establish respectful relationships with parents, families and whānau, and create learning opportunities for the student that match well to the student’s current capability and interests. They have high expectations for every student, provide high quality feedback to students and clear pathways to enable learning to progress. They use assessment both to track progress and chart future learning.
Our recent synthesis of research evidence has also underlined the importance of professional leadership. The evidence from the schooling sector is that leaders make their greatest contribution through planning, co-ordinating, and evaluating teaching and the curriculum and through promoting and participating in teacher learning and development. At present, professional leaders undertake a range of educational and administrative tasks.
Leaders also play an important role in creating a school culture that supports positive and respectful relationships between students and teachers and amongst students. New Zealand students report relatively high levels of bullying behaviour which can impede both successful learning and some of the social outcomes sought from schooling. Successful leaders create environments and learning that counter these issues.”

All this suggests that good quality teachers and focussed leadership will propel success in learning. So why does the Minister delete the part of the BIM which suggests increased class sizes.

NZPPTA were clear to point out that larger classes will increase stress on teachers – the Minister would do well to visit kiwi classrooms and hear first hand the types of pressures our teachers are dealing with on a daily basis.

There is a fundamental difference between the National Governments approach to education and a Labour approach. We believe that investment in a good quality public education system is our opportunity to give everyone the tools to contribute to the future of our great country. A high performing economy requires a highly skilled population – for everyone. In the New Zealand context recognition of culture, language and identity will form strong pillars for educational success and opportunity.

If the Government is determined to create more attention on cost saving measures in the public education system and drive expectation around achievement, they may be softening the entry of Charter Schools as a more plausible alternative…just saying.


Who is Selling out Now?

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on January 31st, 2012

As we head towards Waitangi Day a core issue for the Government is about to be tested. Pitching the Sale of State Owned Energy Companies will be fraught with subtle yet powerful undertones that will test Nationals mettle and it’s real desire to forge a long lasting relationship with Maori.

The easy route would be to complete the round of consultation hui and satisfy the Governments ‘obligation’ to consult. But, I suspect iwi and Maori are well past the box-ticking mentality.

Perhaps even some concessions that would see c.9 of the SoE Act being substituted for something ‘more meaningful’ to the current political landscape, the PM may even a propose to iwi a shareholding interest in SoEs (albeit too small to be effective).

But the Real Issue confronting all New Zealanders – Maori and Paakeha alike is that we have a vested interest in these SoEs not because of some romantic view that the State knows best, but that we must take leadership and derive the benefits from more efficient and high performing companies that deliver to us as citizens. Privatisation in itself will be a shortsighted gain with very few people benefiting – the risk being greater disparity between ‘haves and have nots’.

Waitangi Day is a time to see who walks their talk, a debate on retaining a Treaty of Waitangi clause in the SoE Act must not detract from the central issue of keeping kiwi assets in kiwi hands. Now is a time to have Maori on your side!


Friday poll: Maori language and primary school children

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on August 6th, 2010

Do you think that Maori Language should be compulsory for Primary aged schoolchildren?

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Breastfeeding Awareness Week

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on August 4th, 2010

This is one campaign where I am an avid supporter of giving the best start for our babies. My little fella is nine months, I quickly learnt that my priorities of breastfeeding him ‘for as long as I could’ did not fit into his master plan. about a month ago he took himself off of his own accord and simply moved on….I take my hat off to all the young mums and experienced mums who know that ‘breast is best!” feed their baby no matter where they might be. It’s interesting the funny looks or cringes one gets when breastfeeding! The world has moved on and thankfully more women are being educated about the importance of having waiu (breastmilk). No reira whaangai a taatou tamariki i te waiuu, kia tupu, kia hua, kia puawai! Mauri Ora!


A Gain for All Maori!

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on April 29th, 2010

Parliament has just voted to raise the excise tax on tobacco with the hope to reduce consumption amongst New Zealanders. I for one think that credit should be given when its due!  This one goes to Tariana! Health and well-being is a matter of personal responsibility but I have witnessed first hand the impact of smoking amongst my whanau. There is alot of work to do and when statistics tell us that 5000 NZers die each year from smoking related illnesses urgent action is necessary. 46% of smokers are Maori a high percentage are women and far too many die as a result and that’s without second hand smoking taking its toll! This is the type of measure that will be felt throughout many communities – Let’s make sure that the future for Maori is a smoke-free one!


UN Declaration of Indigenous Rights – A promisory note with no currency

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on April 20th, 2010

Under the veil of secrecy the Minister of Maori Affairs signed the Government up to the UNDRIP. National Ministers were quick to downplay the move as “aspirational” and “non-binding”! The PM must have stressed that point at least three times during question time. The test for National is whether they intend to leave this document as a symbol of aspiration that has no currency in New Zealand or whether they intend to deliver any of the expected outcomes which the MParty allude to?? No tupuna title for Hone, No Maori seats for Auckland and no gains whatsoever for the MParty. The whole move is a disaster with Rodney doing a haka that threatens the fragility of the Government agreements. A whole heap of window dressing of empty promises and hollow gains – meanwhile Maori unemployment continues to rise…


Culture No Excuse!

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on August 18th, 2009

Well I’ve read the blogs and seen the media reports on the Janet Moses case. Plenty of people would have expressed an opinion on many aspects of the case. But the Judge after considering all the information has found five whanau members criminally responsible for a death to lift makutu(commonly referred to as a curse) thereby issuing a community sentence.

To criticise the sentence on a matter of race is ridiculous, the general mantra in Parliament is that there is one law for all. There is enough evidence in Aotearoa/NewZealand that it may be so but Maaori tend to factor negatively in all aspects of the justice system.

But the real debate here is the use of a cultural practice which in this case has led to a tragic outcome. The belief amongst Maori that Makutu exists is still apparent, as much so as those beliefs that people can be healed in the name of Jesus Christ. You wouldn’t find the aunties and uncles talking about Makutu over a cup of tea, in fact you would rarely hear anything remotely connected to a conversation of that sort. But the reality is that many people recognise it is apart of a cultural belief system.

As the whaanau connections of the Moses family link to Tainui it seems to me that their use of a cultural practice to repel evil spirits defied something I had learned long ago. Tawhiao freed his people from the use of Makutu recognising that there are some practices best left in the past with our tuupuna. Culture is no excuse for practices that lead to the harm of others- there is simply no excuse for extreme measures!


Thanks Whanganui!

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on August 11th, 2009

Great to see the community turn out in support of the Labour Caucus effort to reconnect with grass roots. We were well recieved and one of the first statements in the community forum was a vote of thanks from the local grey power branch in acknowledgement of inflation indexing the rates rebate to maintain value of the rebate over time. Health workforce development is another concern given that the Government is signalling a number of reforms for the sector. Finally the Governments cuts to the Adult and Community Education have seriously undersestimated the depth of feeling in coimmunities throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand…..A great range of issues covered!!


A Flag for Our Time

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on August 5th, 2009

As unemployment continues to grow and the coalition Government struggles to come up with a plan to protect and create kiwi jobs and stimulate growth, a whole heap of money is thrown at which flag should be flown on the harbour bridge.

Each week the numbers of people signing up for the unemployment benefit continues to grow. By the end of June the total number was approximately 310,000 more Kiwis on the benefit. Now, more than ever, a plan to stimulate growth during these difficult times is necessary.

I’m not a rocket scientist but if given a choice between putting kai on the table and flying a flag I know which one I’d make! Jobs, jobs, jobs keeps the world ticking over and has to be a priority.

Both Te Kuiti and Otorohonga face similar challenges to other provincial/rural towns. Stimulating the regional economy, supporting existing sector industries, attracting new investment and development opportunity, growing tourism, retaining and attracting a skilled workforce, improving public services and quality of life factors for people to live, work and thrive are just some of those challenges.

Young people are apart of that solution and they need to be supported early enough to climb the ladder of opportunity. Improving educational achievement and extending career pathway choices must be a real solution if small communities are going to help young people succeed. The leadership of Mayor Williams has been exceptional on this front and it’s easy to understand why he is so passionate about young people when you hear his own life experience and personal journey of taking up a trades based career.

Sadly the Governments removal of Enterprising Communities funding creates just another hurdle for communities who are committed to local solutions. Communities will need to pull together and that is nothing new. The Government however, should demonstrate where its commitment to stimulating growth in our provincial towns rests. Often the solutions don’t need to be big and flashy, but well placed funding to support local responses can go a very, very, long way!

Oh on the matter of a flag, let’s have a look at one that better represents the face of a modern nation proud of its cultural identity, the place of Maori and hope for a new dawn. We need a flag for a time, one that we are all proud to hold onto for 365 days of the year!


Te Wiki o Te Reo Maaori! Arohatia te Reo!

Posted by Nanaia Mahuta on July 29th, 2009

He paku whakaaro mo teenei kaupapa – to taatou reo rangatira. E tino mihi rawa atu ki ngaa maatua tuupuna i kawe te reo me oona tikanga kei waenganui aa whaanau, kei runga i ngaa marae araa kei ngaa waahi katoa! Ahakoa ngaa toimahatanga i aua waa te whakakorengia i te reo Maaori kei waenganui i ngaa kura, e whia ngaa tau kua hipa e ora tonu ana te reo me oona tikanga. Ka Pai! Ko taaku nei, he tino taaonga mo taatou katoa, maaori maa paakehaa maa me ngaa taangata katoa. Inanahi i tukuna mai e Nickelodeon taa raatou taonga tiihaate hei whakanui i te wiki o te reo maaori. Ahakoa kaaore a Sponge Bob ( Tarau Porowhaa) he tino tangata maaku ko te mea pai kua piri atu teenei ki ngaa hootaka reo Maaori mo ngaa tamariki. He iti noa teenei, kia kaha koutou te koorero i te reo ahakoa ko wai, ahakoa no whea, ahakoa ki whea. Mauri Ora!

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