New Institute to address iwi challenges

New institute to address iwi challenges, Whakatane Beacon, Wednesday, 24 November 2010
By Mark Dawson

SEVEN years ago, Ngati Awa settled its Treaty of Waitangi claim and, armed with $42.39 million in land and cash, had to wrestle with the post-Treaty realities.
Its challenge, as expressed in the Deed of Settlement, was to use those resources to develop “the economic and social wellbeing” of its 13,000 members spread across 22 hapu.
Now Te Runanga o Ngati Awa is using that experience to support a new academic and research institute which will address the post-settlement challenges faced by Maori.
The Institute for Post Treaty Settlement Futures is being established by Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi, the Whakatane-based tertiary education provider.
The wananga’s chief executive Professor Graham Smith says New Zealand is experiencing a significant social and economic change as the Crown and iwi settle Treaty grievances.
“This presents an enormous challenge for those iwi that have settled or will be negotiating a settlement and this has led to Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi – in partnership with Te Runanga o Ngati Awa – establishing the institute.”
The launch of the institute is being held as part of an inaugural symposium at New Zealand’s national museum Te Papa in Wellington on Monday.
Professor Smith said the aim of the symposium was to address the challenges of realising iwi potential and aspirations in a post-Treaty settlement environment and to learn from each other’s experiences.
The symposium will look at important issues and experiences in governance, economy, cultural heritage and natural resources.
“The symposium is an opportunity to draw breath and reflect on where we have been, where we are, and – more importantly – where we are heading in the post-Treaty settlement era.”
The symposium will consist of a mix of speakers and panels, including Prime Minister John Key, minister of Maori affairs Pita Sharples and minister for Treaty negotiations Christopher Finlayson.
Professor Smith said the idea of an institute to conduct research in the Treaty settlement process “has been on the minds of those who have settled their claims with the Crown for some considerable time”.
“It was clear that much of the experience resided within the respective iwi and there was not an appropriate vehicle established for the purpose of bringing these experiences to light.
“The institute will be devoted to conducting research and analysis and running regular seminars on the work of Treaty settlements.
“The focused approach the institute will bring to this viral area will help not only those who have yet to settle but to those who have settled.”
Professor Smith said the wananga would provide the academic rigour needed to sustain a “think tank”, with the runanga anchoring the institute in iwi realties.
Te Puni Kokiri will provide support to establish an endowed chair for the institute.
Its chief executive Leith Comer said: “I envisage that this position will provide many benefits and opportunities for Maori in the tertiary sector and beyond.
“Our level of support reflects the potential for Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi and Te Puni Kokiri to work in tandem on tertiary advancement and post-Treaty settlement initiatives.”
He said the chair would be a person recognised as a national and international authority in the area of Maori/indigenous organisation, research and development.