At the end of last week the main political parties commenced the process of setting out their political views and policy objectives for the year. This process typically has two stages; semi-formal ‘state-of-the-nation’ speeches, including new policy ideas, given to a receptive audience; followed by formal statements in parliament. In
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On Wednesday a cluster of major entities within the forestry sector indicated they would fund an independent panel to review safety within the sector. This has been endorsed by the Council of Trade Unions, the Māori Party, the Government, and other groups. (Previously the responsible Government Minister, Simon Bridges, had
This week the Gisborne District Council gave approval for a water storage dam to be built at Whatatutu. The dam will be built by the Wi Pere Trust, on its land, and will be designed to hold enough water to service their farmlands, vineyards and orchards for up to 20
On Wednesday the Government announced seven consortium groups who have been selected to deliver its Māori and Pasifika Trade Training initiative. (This initiative, of circa $10 million per year was announced in Budget 2013 and provides funding for Māori and Pasifika people aged 18-34 years to gain qualifications, apprenticeships and
The Ministry of Social Development has released the Benefit Factsheets for the quarter 1 October to 31 December 2013.[Footnote] This is the second publication of data relating to the three new benefit categories, which came into existence on 15 July 2013. We have undertaken an analysis of the various factsheets,
This week Joanne Hayes (Ngāti Porou, Ati Haunui, a Paparangi, and Rangitāne o Wairarapa) was sworn into parliament. She is a National Party list member. Vanessa Eparaima, Weo Maag and Traci Houpapa have been appointed to the Waikato River Authority (a body established to oversee the health of the
Purpose This quarterly review provides a summary of significant Māori-focused social, economic and treaty policy developments for the period 1 October 2013 to 20 December 2013. Social-economic matters Overview In this quarter we reviewed six data-set publications, five significant changes to Government policy / legislative settings, twelve reports, and
This paper provides a summary of key Māori interest news items from 21 December to 24 January 2014. Analytical assessments of policy matters will be provided in regular Pānui briefs. Appointments, honours and nominations * 2014 New Year’s Honours’ list recipients for Service to Māori were: Knights Companion (KNZM);
On Monday the Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Sharples, announced that consultation was commencing on a new Māori Language Strategy. Along with the proposal for a new strategy, the media statement indicates proposed changes in governance arrangements within the Māori language sector, with the Minister noting that, “Māori/iwi should govern
Last week in Pānui edition 44/2013 we advised on WAI 2417. This is the New Zealand Māori Council Treaty of Waitangi claim that relates to proposed changes to the Māori Community Development Act (1962). We advised the claim was accepted for consideration by the Tribunal. We then – incorrectly
New Zealand Māori Council – Pānui briefing correction and update Last week in Pānui edition 44/2013 we advised on WAI 2417. This is the New Zealand Māori Council Treaty of Waitangi claim that relates to proposed changes to the Māori Community Development Act (1962). We advised the claim was accepted for
On Wednesday the Minister of Māori Affairs, Dr Sharples, announced that the Government is not planning on making any changes to the New Zealand Māori Council (the Council), and that further work will be undertaken on future structural arrangements for the Māori Wardens. This announcement is the outcome of the
On Thursday the Associate Minister of Housing, Tariana Turia, announced that applications are open for Kainga Whenua Infrastructure Grants. This fund, $12 million over year three years, was first announced in Budget 2013. The purpose is to assist Māori develop housing on Maori land, and the funding provides grants
Ngāi Tahu Farming and Lincoln University partnership announced Last Friday Ngāi Tahu Farming and Lincoln University announced a partnership to support the development of the Ngāi Tahu farming in Eyrewell, North Canterbury. Under the partnership agreement the University will provide a three-year programme of environmental, biodiversity and water resource monitoring.
On Monday a report was released on Child Poverty in New Zealand, entitled, Child Poverty Monitor 2013, Technical Report. This report has been prepared for the Children’s Commissioner, Russell Wills, by Otago University, with funding from the J R McKenzie Trust.[1] By way of background, in January Commissioner Wills received