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TE PUTATARA
Network News
P.O.Box 408, Wellington
Issue No 05/88 6 May 1988
Poroporoaki
ki a
Meiha Te Okanga Huata
Te tai ra, te
tai ra
E pari ana te tai ki whea?
E pari ana te tai ki te kauheke, kaumatua
He atua, he atua e!
Tihei mauri mate
Takoto mai ra
e koro
Takoto mai ra te kaitoa o Te Hokowhitu a Tumatauenga
In war and
peace you fought for our people.
With your comrades-in-arms you brought us recognition in our own
land,
after an hundred years of struggle,
by your brave deeds in far off places.
And on your return, Te Okanga, you returned to battle,
to the endless struggle for the greater victory;
for the greatness that was once ours
in distant time.
Though the
battle is not yet won, we will be victorious.
Though you and I were sometimes at odds, we fight the same fight.
Our victory will be yours.
"Ekore
ratou e tai koeketia
Penei i a tatou e ora nei
Ekore te wa e whakaruhi
Nga tau ranei e whakakore i a ratou
I te torengitanga o te ra ki te urunga mai o te ra
Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou
Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a ratou"
Ka maumahara tonu tatou ki a koe, e koro.
No reira haere, haere, haere.
- Meiha Ross Himona
HE TIROHANGA RANGAPU - PARTNERSHIP PERSPECTIVES
Government Policy on Maori Affairs Unveiled
At a carefully orchestrated ceremony at Parliament on 21 April 1988 government policy on Maori affairs was unveiled to a select group of invited kaumatua, and about twenty gatecrashers. The editor of "Te Putatara" was the only gatecrasher who was thrown out, like a rotten kumara. Notoriety at last!
And so the celebration was saved and was not marred by uncouth, rowdy, raucous, riotous, rambunctious and rebellious interjection, thanks to the eagle eyes of the Department of Maori Affairs bouncers.
In the half-hour or so I spent chatting with the kaumatua before I was nobbled, and before they were whisked away to the public relations extravaganza (and a big kai), I was reminded of my kuia.
My kuia taught me, "Dont take no notice of your grandfather, never believe anything you read in the newspaper (newsletters are OK), dont ever sell your land, marry a good Maori girl, dont let the pakeha buy your soul, and never trust a politician". Good Maori policy that.
DEVOLUTION
The word "devolution" was not mentioned once in "He Tirohanga". But we are assured in "Tuku Rangatiratanga", the newsletter for Maori Affairs staff, that:
"The thrust of the proposals remains centred on devolution and the empowering of Maori people. The Government is committed to giving iwi organisations a strong and meaningful role in the machinery of government both in the delivery of programmes and through the proposed Ministry."
- T.M.Reedy, Secretary
I think my copy of "He Tirohanga" must have been a specially abridged version because I couldnt find that statement anywhere in the announced government policy.
Now that the tip of the iceberg has been shown to us, we shall have to wait for the rest of it to be revealed. Dont hold your breath - devolution is dead. There is a lot of pain ahead for Maoridom, before we achieve what was guaranteed in the Treaty, tino rangatiratanga.
"He Tirohanga" told us two things; firstly the Department and the Board of Maori Affairs are definitely going to be demolished, and secondly, the new system of delivery to Maoridom will be through "iwi-based organisations", perhaps.
Government has made such a vague commitment to delivering programmes to "iwi" that we really do not know what the policy is. If the policy is not clear, there is no policy. It is going to take a long time to get the so-called "iwi-based organisations" established and accepted, and we have been given no indication of what programmes might be delivered through this system, if ever.
The unclear half-promise of recognition of the iwi has been deliberately made in an attempt to buy off Maoridom while the Department is demolished. Those Maori who have had a hand in this policy will defend their actions by claiming that they have achieved devolution and the installation of a Maori delivery system.
They have been bought off by the promise of a partnership but they have forgotten to find out whether we are going to be a sleeping partner in a cut-throat pakeha-managed business, or an equal and much loved marriage partner, if we want to marry.
There are indeed many perspectives to partnership.
A DEPARTMENT IN TURMOIL
Since the release of "He Tirohanga" the kumara vine has been working overtime. Unfortunately the tidings are not glad. The staff are bitter.
The staff in Head Office have now woken up to the fact that they have been caste aside.
I am told that one by one those staff who are deemed to be superfluous, or disloyal, are being singled out and deliberately put into non-jobs. For a while, before "He Tirohanga" was released, they had put it down to part of a ruthless drive for efficiency, or part of the paranoia of a beleaguered leadership. Now they are convinced that it has been a deliberate plan to demoralise the staff, implemented by a razor gang brought in by the SSC over six months ago. They are convinced that they are bearing the brunt of a brutal policy to destroy the Department's reputation in order to make it's demise seem the only logical course.
On reflection, there is no doubt that the internal attacks on the department, which started with the neutralisation of the once powerful Community Division after the "Loans Affair", do seem to be part of an overall strategy. The attack then shifted to the powerful Housing & Employment Division, particularly against MANA Enterprises and Maori ACCESS, which controlled a large percentage of Vote:Maori Affairs and which was very closely linked to the community. Now it seems to be an all out attack right across the divisions, aimed at selected individuals.
Some staff are investigating the suspicion that all the leaks to Winston Peters have been an integral part of the policy to demoralise the staff, and destroy the reputation of the Department.
It would seem that PSA delegates are taking a hammering. One was berated recently by the Secretary just for doing his job - representing the staff in this huge industrial upheaval.
There seems to be a policy of not replacing staff who resign, and there are droves looking for new jobs. The Department will be lucky to survive
until the new ministry is formed, and the programmes which are supposed to be handed over to other departments might not last the distance if the staff are forced out as fast as it seems they are at the moment.
On the other hand there is anger at the blatant way those seen as the chosen few are being nurtured and welcomed into the inner club. That is unfortunate, for some have to stay, but it is entirely understandable given the absolutely incompetent management of this major change to peoples lives.
I have never really been happy with the performance of the Department, but I know that it could be improved given the will to do so, and competent leadership. I might not be against the plan to form a ministry if I knew that the iwi were to be empowered, that devolution were assured, and that Maoridom would indeed be better off.
Those matters are irrelevant to the ill-treatment that is being meted out to staff of the Head Office.
And in the regions there is dismay, as people fear they will not be able to find new jobs in areas already badly affected by unemployment. Once again Maoridom is hit. A colleague recently stated:
"The reality is that in situations of economic change, Maori people are hit first, hit the hardest, and hit the longest."
It is incomprehensible that Maori Affairs staff are to be restructured out of their jobs at a time when Maoridom is bearing the brunt of economic change, with record unemployment. There is no economic necessity for this callous policy.
Hit first, hit hardest, hit longest, and hit while we're down.
It's a bit late, but now is the time for Maori public servants, the iwi, and Maori Authorities to join together to present a truly united front to government. The time for the Maori Alliance has arrived.
WHO WROTE HE TIROHANGA RANGAPU
I am not one hundred percent sure but it is reported that these people did it. David Lange, Geoffrey Palmer, Stan Rodger, Koro Wetere, Don Hunn (Chairman State Services Commission), John Henderson (Head of PMs Department), Graham Scott (Secretary of Treasury), Tamati Reedy, Wilson Bailey (Maori Affairs), Rauru Kirikiri (Maori Affairs), Hekia Parata (PMs Dept), Andy Evans (SSC).
NEW ZEALAND IN THE PACIFIC
Over the last year or so the government has quietly stepped up its presence in the Pacific.
This is due to many factors, not the least of which is the diminution of western influence caused by the coups led by Sitiveni Rabuka last year. Fiji used to play a stabilising role in the Pacific, which was mistakenly presumed by western nations to stem from an inbuilt pro-western stance. Of course it has always been pro-Fijian before all else.
The decolonisation of Vanuatu, the Kanak independence movement and the resulting increase in activity by the ever-present French, continued nuclear testing by the French, occasional fears about Libyan or Russian designs on the region, not to mention the sinking of the "Rainbow Warrior"; these have all contributed to the New Zealand Governments attempt to regain what it thought was a natural leadership role in the Pacific.
Official representation throughout the region has been heightened with the recent appointments of senior career diplomats to many posts. The present tour by the Governor General through the islands is part and parcel of this major diplomatic offensive, and it is not coincidental that the NZ Armed Forces are conducting exercises in such places as Western Samoa and Niue.
Presumably the major intelligence target for the new satellite interception station being built near Blenheim will be the South West Pacific, with some emphasis on French activity. Intelligence collection has probably also been stepped up by NZ diplomatic posts in the islands.
An emerging factor which is reportedly causing concern to Foreign Affairs and the Government is the move by the King of Tonga to form a Polynesian Community, and the increasingly coordinated and powerful Melanesian Community. A whole range of strengthening linkages are being forged between the indigenous peoples of the Pacific, including American and Canadian Indians, Australian Aborigines, Melanesians, Micronesians and Polynesians. The Maori nation is the largest single group of indigenous people, and in the future will probably play a leading role in the indigenous peoples movement.
Official and private linkages between Maoridom and the other indigenous peoples are already strong. The Department of Maori Affairs has itself been active in promoting ties with Canadian Indians and in Hawaii. Many Maori individuals and groups covering business, political, academic, and cultural interests are actively forging ties based on cultural affinity.
This of course concerns the government of our predominantly monocultural nation, for it is conceivable that Maoridom could take the lead away from the NZ Government and become a major influence in the region.
Maoridom is a minority in Aotearoa but we are part of the majority in the Pacific. Many people are now thinking that our future may well lie in the larger arena. The Government is very busy in the Pacific.
1990
Bruce Gregory, June Mariu and Rangi Te Maiharoa are our Maori representatives on the 1990 Commission set up to prepare the country for the national celebrations of 1990.
The celebrations coincide with the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, but Internal Affairs Minister Michael Bassett seems to be desperately trying to downplay this central element. I dont blame him. The Minister who has to play with this hot kumara is not likely to do his career much good.
The official activities will start on 1 January 1990 and end on ANZAC Day. There will probably be a Royal Tour, and Dun Mihaka will probably have the blue-eye of the police pay him some close attention. Kia ora Dun. The owner of the piupiu you used last time says find your own in 1990!
Submissions and ideas for commemorative activities can be sent to:
1990
Freepost No 914
Department of Internal Affairs
P.O.Box 805
Wellington.
or just give one of our representatives a ring.
1990 is also the year of the Commonwealth Games (assuming that the African nations and other third world members of the Commonwealth allow them to go ahead) and these will probably be the major sporting event for the commemorative year.
1990 is the year of a minor sporting event too; the general elections.
And the year the Department of Maori Affairs and the Board of Maori Affairs are "phased out". How about 6 February 1990 for the phase out date.
Looks like a big year for Maoridom.
DIRECTOR OF EMPLOYMENT (1985-88)
Wira Gardiner, No-one, Graham Morrison, No-one, Gerry Fouhy, No-one, Graham Weir (No-one), No-one, Peter MacGregor, Guess.
MANA ENTERPRISES (1985-88)
Wira Gardiner, Ripeka Evans, Tata Parata, Ross Himona, Eru Manuera, Brian Dickson, Gerry Fouhy, Alan Haronga (just pretending Colleagues), Helen Anderson, next? This whakapapa seems to have been colonised.
MAORI ACCESS (1986-88)
Ria Earp, Dick Smith?
THE MAORI ALLIANCE
There would seem to be a great deal of reluctance in official circles to recognise the existence of a group of Authorities and people who wish to join together in free association to pursue their mutual aims and goals. In fact there are some who have convinced themselves that such an alliance is so foreign to the natural order of things that the Department seems to have an official policy that the Maori Alliance does not exist.
The Chairman of the Maori Alliance Steering Committee (Bert McLean) has asked that all Authorities who attended the hui at Ngaruawahia on 17 March 1988 be reminded that your $1000 contributions to the costs of the steering committee are now due.
The Steering Committee has circulated an analysis of the new government policy paper, "He Tirohanga Rangapu", and intends to present a full submission for endorsement at the next alliance hui on 22 May 88. Also due to be presented are proposals for the formal structure of the alliance.
A PII IN MY POTAE - RING SOME CHANGES
For some months now I have been meaning to take the Department to task over it's treatment of the telephonists. You will all know that sometimes it takes ages to get an answer from the Head Office - its not the fault of the telephonists. The equipment they have to work with is just not up to the job, and it would seem that no-one in management has been sufficiently well trained to recognise the problem and to fix it.
However, that is not my main gripe. The conditions the telephonists have to work in on the fifth floor are absolutely atrocious. They are crammed in to a pokey little warren that no-one should be forced to work in, let alone the people who present your front door image to the telephoning public. Telephonists and receptionists are among the most important people in any organisation, because they are at the forefront in implementing any corporate public relations plan, yet in the Head Office of the Department of Maori Affairs they are treated abominably. "What public relations plan?" did you ask.
Take the lift up two floors and see the luxury the Secretary and his advisors have kept for themselves. The difference between the two sets of working conditions demonstrates perfectly that those on the seventh floor are looking after themselves and dont give a damn about their employees down below.
And it is not good enough for you all to blame the Secretary. We thought the rest of you on the seventh floor might have had enough gumption to sort things out. We thought you might have enough aroha to put the welfare of the workers before your own creature comforts. Some of you have been trained for your jobs.
And some of you haven't I suppose.
THE ACCOUNTABILITY OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
A correspondent who works for a technical institute in one of the main centres reports a huge rip-off of ACCESS funding by these respectable pakeha establishments.
The way it works is that a General ACCESS course is developed in areas in which the Technical Institute, or a department within the Institute, needs more equipment and wants to create more tutor hours. Once the equipment has been gained and paid for by ACCESS, it is then snaffled and used on courses for ordinary students who get into the Institute under the bursary system. This increases the capacity of the department.
The more "mainstream" courses that are run, the more funds are available from the Education Department, the more tutors can be employed, the bigger the empire, the higher the pay for departmental heads.
Now this is the legal, respectable, sophisticated, pakeha way to rip-off the system and line your pockets. Its the way its done in the Education Department. Is this what is meant by accountability?
If I were the Minister for Employment, I would have a quiet word with the Associate Minister for Education.
FAREWELL TO A FELLOW EDITOR
Just heard on the kumara vine that Anaru Robb, the editor of "Tuku Rangatiratanga", the newsletter for Maori Affairs staff, has been fired (sorry Tamati, I meant transferred). Anaru had an impossible task trying to front Information & Publicity under the present regime.
It would seem that it doesnt pay to be too closely associated with any newsletters these days!
MEURANT CALLS FOR SURVEILLANCE OF MAORI RADICALS
Recently my namesake, Ross, called for the establishment of an intelligence unit to keep a close eye on Maori radicals. I think he's right. The first place to put under surveillance would be the Dungeon Bar in Wellington, next door to the Department of Maoris Affairs. I saw heaps of radical looking Maoris in there. They looked like they were plotting to blow up the SSC, if they could find it.
I could volunteer to be a spy, if it pays. The latest rumour says I work for the CIA! If its true I wish they would pay me, so I could come in from the cold.
FACSIMILE DIRECTORY
More and more facsimile machines are being installed throughout Maoridom. We need to communicate with each other and share information and news. Please let me know your fax numbers so that they can be published.
Te Aupouri Maori Trust Board
Tai Tokerau Maori Trust Board 089.481466(manual)
Te Runanga o Ngati Whatua
Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board
Te Whanau o Waipareira Trust
Manukau Maori Employment Authority 09.2777090
Tamaki Maori Development Authority 09.399123(manual)
Tainui Maori Trust Board 07124.7837
Hauraki Maori Trust Board Steering Committee 09.495525
Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa
Tauranga Moana Maori Trust Board 075.81433
Te Runanga o Ngai Tamarawaho
Te Arawa Maori Trust Board 073.477349
Ngati Raukawa Maori Trust Board
Tuhoe-Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board Thru Te Arawa
Whakatohea Maori Trust Board
Te Runanga o Ngati Awa 076.70762
Te Whanau-A-Apanui (MANA Committee) 07652.724(manual)
Te Whanau-A-Apanui (MACCESS Committee)
Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board 0746.82353
Wanganui Regional Employment Board 064.58913 Ext 825
Whanganui River Maori Trust Board, Taumarunui
Whanganui River Maori Trust Board, Ohakune 0658.58956(manual)
Whanganui River Maori Trust Board(Chairman) 0746.82353
Taranaki Maori Trust Board 062.88360
Te Runanga O Ngati Porou 07945.799
Te Runanganui o Turanganui-A-Kiwa Thru Maori Affairs, Gisborne
Wairoa-Waikaremoana Maori Trust Board
Te Runanganui o Ngati Kahungunu Thru Maori Affairs, Hastings
Komiti Whakatinana o Ngati Raukawa
Te Runanganui o Te Upoko o Te Ika
Kurahaupo Waka Association
Ngai Tahu Maori Trust Board 03.54098
New Zealand Maori Council 04.734210
Maori Womens Welfare League
NZ Maori Wardens Association
Maori Battalion Association
Nga Puna Waihanga
NZ Federation of Maori Businessmen
Minister of Maori Affairs 04.711765
MANA Enterprises 04.722893
Maori ACCESS 04.722895
DMA, Auckland 09.784915
DMA, Otahuhu 09.2762967
DMA, Wiri 09.2784037
DMA, Hamilton 071.392579
DMA, Gisborne 079.78360
DMA, Hastings 070.62152
DMA, Rotorua 073.85019
DMA, Turangi 0746.82353
DMA, Wanganui 064.52095
DMA, Whangarei 089.482412
Bert Mackie 03.494326
Stan Keepa 09.5354005
Bob Mahuta 071.68531
Ranginui Walker 09.33429
Whatarangi Winiata 04.712070
Maanu Paul 076.70762
Wira Gardiner 076.70613
Ross Himona (temporary number) 04.856030 (manual)
Ripeka Evans, TVNZ Auckland 09.389347
Nan Wehipeihana, TVNZ Eyewitness News 04.739957
Vern Rice, The Dominion 09.394027
Vanessa Stephens, The Dominion 04.740350
Fran O'Sullivan, Auckland Sun 04.711976
Rawiri Wright, Wellington Evening Post 04.740237
Adam Gifford, Auckland Star 09.390258
Jane Collins, Auckland Herald
Mark Proud, Sunday News 04.719312
Editor, Sunday News 09.392279
Debbie Gee, Radio New Zealand 04.730185
Karli Winitana, Auckland Sun
TV News, Avalon 04.739957
Ann Simpson, Manawatu Evening Standard
Ann Mitson, Taranaki Daily News
Tainui Travel & Tours 09.32639
KOHA
This issue has been produced with the assistance of Te Runanganui o Te Upoko o Te Ika. Kia ora no tatou katoa.
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