GVT: Hon John Tamihere: The relationship between Maori and local government

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The relationship between Maori and local government

Speech to Local Government NZ Conference, Auckland

---------------------------------

I am very pleased to be here today to be a part of this conference and =
exploring its theme, Designing the 21st Century.=20

There is a very real need for us to pause and think about the future and =
what it holds, what factors will be shaping it and what we can set in =
train now.

First I want to share with you a few key facts:=20
=B7 According to Statistics NZ projections, by 2021 the M=E2ori =
population will have grown from one in seven New Zealanders to one in =
five New Zealanders.
=B7 The M=E2ori population is youthful. Where now a large part of our =
population is under 20, over the next couple of decades that group will =
be moving into the middle-aged bracket.
=B7 The M=E2ori population is overwhelmingly urban, with more than 80% =
of M=E2ori living in urban centres. A quarter of M=E2ori live in =
Auckland.
=B7 The M=E2ori population is becoming wealthier and more educated.
=B7 As Minister of Statistics I see a lot of facts and figures, but I =
saw one the other day that was very interesting. That was the fact that =
in 2001 there were 12 M=E2ori males between 15 and 19 who earned between =
$70,000 and $100,000, and 48 M=E2ori aged 15-19 who were earning over =
$100,000. Perhaps some of these young men could be introduced to my =
18-year-old daughter. The fact that we have such young people who are =
obviously doing very well demonstrates how as Maori we are on the way =
up.
=B7 While most in the M=E2ori population are still in the low income =
brackets, it is pleasing to see this trend changing, with growing =
numbers in the mid-higher income brackets over the last decade or so. =
There are now about as many legislators and administrators as there are =
agriculture and fisheries workers. These are the sort of changes that =
are challenging perceptions of M=E2ori as occupying the lower rungs of =
social and economic status.=20
=B7 The "Maori economy" is a major contributor to New Zealand's economy =
as a whole. M=E2ori commercial assets were valued at $9 billion in =
2001. Of this, fishing, farming and forestry are the major industries =
for M=E2ori, with $4.5 billion invested in these primary industries. =
With the freeing up of new consents for the marine farming industry =
looking likely by the end of the year, and Maori offered a 20 per cent =
stake in this $285 million sunrise industry, there is potential for =
significant growth of Maori involvement in this area.
=B7 An average of $100 million a year is available for treaty =
settlements. We have tens of millions of dollars going into health, =
education and justice programmes. We have thousands of our people =
participating in tertiary education.
=B7 Sixty per cent of Maori-owned primary industry is collectively =
owned. This is a significant difference from the business structures of =
P=E2keh=E2 farmers.=20
Those are just a few of the trends and statistics that provide some very =
interesting challenges for Maori as we move into the new millennium.
So what are the challenges?
Today I would like to highlight just two that are of particular =
relevance to local government:
=B7 The importance of M=E2ori participation in local government =
arrangements
=B7 M=E2ori economic development and the strategic importance of local =
government
M=E2ori participation in local government=20

Maori participation in local government, environmental and social issues =
is increasingly recognised as legitimate.
While we do have some high-profile cases in which Maori representation =
and consultation has become a matter of some friction, we have come a =
long way.
Not that long ago "consultation" with M=E2ori was a feared word. Now it =
is accepted and respected by the majority of our local authorities.=20
The RMA provides a process for the recognition of tangata whenua values. =
These values and legal rights were not recognised in the case of local =
government in Marlborough cutting local iwi out of the development of =
aquaculture - and the result was some of the most fraught divisions =
between Maori and Pakeha we have experienced in recent years over the =
foreshore and seabed debate.
The Foreshore and Seabed Bill, which is expected to be back before =
Parliament later this year, is, I believe, a way forward that balances =
protection of Maori customary right with protection of the right of all =
New Zealanders to have access to the foreshore and seabed. Some people =
disgreed - and came down to Parliament to tell us. This issue will have =
a significant impact on a number of territorial local authorities.
While the foreshore and seabed is undoubtedly a very important issue for =
both Maori and Pakeha, I believe there are other issues that Maori must =
urgently focus on if we are to ensure that in the next couple of decades =
we do move forward to fully participate in decision-making and in the =
economic success of our nation.
The challenge for Maori is to step up our level of engagement. The =
treaty is now locked into our nationhood and legislation, and we must =
now stop ourselves from being locked into victimhood and grievance when =
so much opportunity awaits us. We need to unlock the raw potential and =
youth of our communities, and that power must be unleashed positively.
We must give our children something to march for, rather than something =
to march against. We must start to share the fruits of victory, and =
build professional engagement and relationships based on trust, respect, =
fairness and tolerance.
It is important to acknowledge the various M=E2ori authorities who are =
the conduits for this dialogue with local government: marae, iwi =
authorities, urban Maori authorities, smaller groups at hapu and whanau =
level.
So how well are you doing in local government in recognising and =
implementing your legal obligation to consult with Maori? In some =
cases, very well. In other cases . well, things could be better.
Local authorities know that they have to consult with local business =
groups. They know they have to consult environmental groups. They know =
they have to consult with residents groups. Yet some have been a little =
reticent in also acknowledging that they must consult Maori.
Maori are not asking that they be treated any differently in his regard =
- in fact they are asking exactly the opposite: that they be treated =
the same as any other bona fide group with a legal right to be =
consulted. This expectation has nothing to do with political =
correctness - it has everything to do with fairness and legislative =
direction.
The launch by the Prime Minister of the research undertaken between =
government and LGNZ on local authorities' engagement with M=E2ori shows =
that there are many ways of having relationships and building the =
processes for dialogue. Building and strengthening these mechanisms now =
will make considerable difference as we move into the 21st Century.
In this context, looking 20 or 30 years into the future, we are seeking =
to build a platform such that M=E2ori are able to take up opportunities =
and be successful, whether this means ensuring that the local school is =
able to provide a meaningful context for education and support in =
finding a job, or whether it is ensuring that M=E2ori are able to retain =
and evolve their own institutions.
The way that this can be done is to ensure that the trust between =
M=E2ori and others is nurtured, that different points of view are =
respected, and aspirations and values are understood. Perhaps most =
importantly we need to make sure we are talking to each other and =
listening to each other.
Economic Development and Local Government's role
The second point I would like to make today is about the importance of =
local government in supporting economic development.=20
We always think of New Zealand as far away from the rest of the world. =
We must accept this distance, but never use that as an excuse for not =
having a go. New Zealand is not so very far way from Australia, Asia or =
from America; and these are our biggest export markets.
New Zealand has many small businesses - in comparison with other =
industrialised countries, we have a huge proportion of micro-businesses. =
This provides a different set of opportunities for economic development. =
While it means we're probably not in the best place to undertake huge =
manufacturing of products that rely on bulk production, it does mean =
that we have good opportunities to produce niche, high value products.=20
The opportunity for investment looks good, particularly given our other =
attributes such as our educated workforce, good infrastructure and =
governance systems, relatively good race relations and environmental =
protection.
Our tourism industry is a classic example: The industry has a number of =
larger players - for example the hotel chains - but numerous small =
businesses, from horse-trekking to fine restaurants. Incidentally some =
of our Maori tourist operators provide some of our best, uniquely Kiwi =
tourism experiences. The key to this is how to make the most of our =
diversity, creativity and differences from the rest of the world.
New Zealand - 100% Pure is the generic slogan for our overseas brand. =
It boasts of the uniqueness of NZ.=20
But how do all our small businesses attach themselves to this? Sure, =
not all businesses are selling to the international markets. The world =
will become more borderless - for finance and investments, for trade and =
for ideas.
The movie industry is a good example, and local government has been =
superb in the way it has embraced the industry and opportunities it =
offers. We now have relatively large numbers of New Zealanders and their =
companies engaged both here and overseas in all aspects of this =
industry.
In order to grow the economic potential of New Zealand there is a need =
to grow the M=E2ori economy. In some regions the land lies unutilised. =
It may be in need of some investment - skills, capital, technology - but =
in reality it is an opportunity. The key is to find the best ways to =
break the cycle of rates, unpaid rates (and write-offs) and accusations =
of M=E2ori getting a free ride or not contributing their fair share.
Many of you will already know that M=E2ori land is plagued by factors =
such as large numbers of owners, having no services, being landlocked =
and having no access. The key is to find the strategies to begin the job =
of bringing it to productive use.
Already this government has passed legislation that frees up one third =
of land that was previously landlocked and inaccessible, and we have put =
aside money in this year's Budget to improve the system of Maori land =
titles.

But we also need to think strategically. We need M=E2ori land owners, =
schools, polytechs and employers to come together to find the ways to =
bring the skills to the regions, it needs financial institutions and =
investors to know how to invest with M=E2ori, and it needs certainty =
from the regulators and local authorities to make sure that the =
investment can be made with as low a risk as possible from rating, =
planning and resource management barriers. The key once again is =
building the dialogue and understanding.

Globalisation is a great word. It is used to mean cooperating locally =
to compete globally. This can be done in many ways through clusters and =
business networks or through informal networks. Mentoring, strategic =
planning for regions, national level marketing initiatives are all =
important ingredients.

This is important for two main reasons. First it provides economic =
incentives, and brings employment. Second, it provides greater =
opportunity for people to exploit their own creativity, productivity and =
rely on their own personal attributes.=20

Local government is a key player in all of these business development =
requirements. It can bring together the main players from the business, =
social, education sectors and shape the future of the regions, and thus =
the whole country.

You accept that the regional partnerships programmes and the endorsing =
of Local Government Economic Development Agency has in no small part =
accelerated economic growth.

Conclusion

Thank you very much for the opportunity to speak here today. I want to =
leave you with a final thought, looking to the future: There is a great =
deal of potential in New Zealand. It helps to think of this as an =
opportunity, rather than a challenge. And it is a great opportunity to =
work with M=E2ori to bring it to fruition and for all to be a part of =
it.

I commend you for the task that you undertake. I understand that our =
communities have high expectations. I know they can also be thankless =
and ungrateful at times. But I also know that when the day is over =
there can be no better community to try to do well for than your own =
community - warts and all.

The John Tamihere mailing list operated by OneSquared Limited.

To unsubscribe, enter the following address in your browser address bar =
and press the Enter key.

http://www.beehive.govt.nz/Lists/index.aspx?UID=3D2160&unsubscribe=3Dyes

You can also subscribe to this service or change and maintain your =
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<html><head></head><body><font face=3D'verdana' size=3D'2'><b>The =
relationship between Maori and local government</b><br><br>Speech to =
Local Government NZ Conference, =
Auckland<br><br>---------------------------------<br><br>I am very =
pleased to be here today to be a part of this conference and exploring =
its theme, Designing the 21st Century. <BR><BR>There is a very real need =
for us to pause and think about the future and what it holds, what =
factors will be shaping it and what we can set in train =
now.<BR><BR>First I want to share with you a few key facts: <BR>=B7 =
According to Statistics NZ projections, by 2021 the M=E2ori population =
will have grown from one in seven New Zealanders to one in five New =
Zealanders.<BR>=B7 The M=E2ori population is youthful. Where now a large =
part of our population is under 20, over the next couple of decades that =
group will be moving into the middle-aged bracket.<BR>=B7 The M=E2ori =
population is overwhelmingly urban, with more than 80% of M=E2ori living =
in urban centres. A quarter of M=E2ori live in Auckland.<BR>=B7 The =
M=E2ori population is becoming wealthier and more educated.<BR>=B7 As =
Minister of Statistics I see a lot of facts and figures, but I saw one =
the other day that was very interesting. That was the fact that in 2001 =
there were 12 M=E2ori males between 15 and 19 who earned between $70,000 =
and $100,000, and 48 M=E2ori aged 15-19 who were earning over $100,000. =
Perhaps some of these young men could be introduced to my 18-year-old =
daughter. The fact that we have such young people who are obviously =
doing very well demonstrates how as Maori we are on the way up.<BR>=B7 =
While most in the M=E2ori population are still in the low income =
brackets, it is pleasing to see this trend changing, with growing =
numbers in the mid-higher income brackets over the last decade or so. =
There are now about as many legislators and administrators as there are =
agriculture and fisheries workers. These are the sort of changes that =
are challenging perceptions of M=E2ori as occupying the lower rungs of =
social and economic status. <BR>=B7 The "Maori economy" is a major =
contributor to New Zealand's economy as a whole. M=E2ori commercial =
assets were valued at $9 billion in 2001. Of this, fishing, farming and =
forestry are the major industries for M=E2ori, with $4.5 billion =
invested in these primary industries. With the freeing up of new =
consents for the marine farming industry looking likely by the end of =
the year, and Maori offered a 20 per cent stake in this $285 million =
sunrise industry, there is potential for significant growth of Maori =
involvement in this area.<BR>=B7 An average of $100 million a year is =
available for treaty settlements. We have tens of millions of dollars =
going into health, education and justice programmes. We have thousands =
of our people participating in tertiary education.<BR>=B7 Sixty per cent =
of Maori-owned primary industry is collectively owned. This is a =
significant difference from the business structures of P=E2keh=E2 =
farmers. <BR>Those are just a few of the trends and statistics that =
provide some very interesting challenges for Maori as we move into the =
new millennium.<BR>So what are the challenges?<BR>Today I would like to =
highlight just two that are of particular relevance to local =
government:<BR>=B7 The importance of M=E2ori participation in local =
government arrangements<BR>=B7 M=E2ori economic development and the =
strategic importance of local government<BR>M=E2ori participation in =
local government <BR><BR>Maori participation in local government, =
environmental and social issues is increasingly recognised as =
legitimate.<BR>While we do have some high-profile cases in which Maori =
representation and consultation has become a matter of some friction, we =
have come a long way.<BR>Not that long ago "consultation" with M=E2ori =
was a feared word. Now it is accepted and respected by the majority of =
our local authorities. <BR>The RMA provides a process for the =
recognition of tangata whenua values. These values and legal rights =
were not recognised in the case of local government in Marlborough =
cutting local iwi out of the development of aquaculture - and the result =
was some of the most fraught divisions between Maori and Pakeha we have =
experienced in recent years over the foreshore and seabed debate.<BR>The =
Foreshore and Seabed Bill, which is expected to be back before =
Parliament later this year, is, I believe, a way forward that balances =
protection of Maori customary right with protection of the right of all =
New Zealanders to have access to the foreshore and seabed. Some people =
disgreed - and came down to Parliament to tell us. This issue will have =
a significant impact on a number of territorial local =
authorities.<BR>While the foreshore and seabed is undoubtedly a very =
important issue for both Maori and Pakeha, I believe there are other =
issues that Maori must urgently focus on if we are to ensure that in the =
next couple of decades we do move forward to fully participate in =
decision-making and in the economic success of our nation.<BR>The =
challenge for Maori is to step up our level of engagement. The treaty =
is now locked into our nationhood and legislation, and we must now stop =
ourselves from being locked into victimhood and grievance when so much =
opportunity awaits us. We need to unlock the raw potential and youth of =
our communities, and that power must be unleashed positively.<BR>We must =
give our children something to march for, rather than something to march =
against. We must start to share the fruits of victory, and build =
professional engagement and relationships based on trust, respect, =
fairness and tolerance.<BR>It is important to acknowledge the various =
M=E2ori authorities who are the conduits for this dialogue with local =
government: marae, iwi authorities, urban Maori authorities, smaller =
groups at hapu and whanau level.<BR>So how well are you doing in local =
government in recognising and implementing your legal obligation to =
consult with Maori? In some cases, very well. In other cases . well, =
things could be better.<BR>Local authorities know that they have to =
consult with local business groups. They know they have to consult =
environmental groups. They know they have to consult with residents =
groups. Yet some have been a little reticent in also acknowledging that =
they must consult Maori.<BR>Maori are not asking that they be treated =
any differently in his regard - in fact they are asking exactly the =
opposite: that they be treated the same as any other bona fide group =
with a legal right to be consulted. This expectation has nothing to do =
with political correctness - it has everything to do with fairness and =
legislative direction.<BR>The launch by the Prime Minister of the =
research undertaken between government and LGNZ on local authorities' =
engagement with M=E2ori shows that there are many ways of having =
relationships and building the processes for dialogue. Building and =
strengthening these mechanisms now will make considerable difference as =
we move into the 21st Century.<BR>In this context, looking 20 or 30 =
years into the future, we are seeking to build a platform such that =
M=E2ori are able to take up opportunities and be successful, whether =
this means ensuring that the local school is able to provide a =
meaningful context for education and support in finding a job, or =
whether it is ensuring that M=E2ori are able to retain and evolve their =
own institutions.<BR>The way that this can be done is to ensure that the =
trust between M=E2ori and others is nurtured, that different points of =
view are respected, and aspirations and values are understood. Perhaps =
most importantly we need to make sure we are talking to each other and =
listening to each other.<BR>Economic Development and Local Government's =
role<BR>The second point I would like to make today is about the =
importance of local government in supporting economic development. =
<BR>We always think of New Zealand as far away from the rest of the =
world. We must accept this distance, but never use that as an excuse =
for not having a go. New Zealand is not so very far way from Australia, =
Asia or from America; and these are our biggest export markets.<BR>New =
Zealand has many small businesses - in comparison with other =
industrialised countries, we have a huge proportion of micro-businesses. =
This provides a different set of opportunities for economic development. =
While it means we're probably not in the best place to undertake huge =
manufacturing of products that rely on bulk production, it does mean =
that we have good opportunities to produce niche, high value products. =
<BR>The opportunity for investment looks good, particularly given our =
other attributes such as our educated workforce, good infrastructure and =
governance systems, relatively good race relations and environmental =
protection.<BR>Our tourism industry is a classic example: The industry =
has a number of larger players - for example the hotel chains - but =
numerous small businesses, from horse-trekking to fine restaurants. =
Incidentally some of our Maori tourist operators provide some of our =
best, uniquely Kiwi tourism experiences. The key to this is how to make =
the most of our diversity, creativity and differences from the rest of =
the world.<BR>New Zealand - 100% Pure is the generic slogan for our =
overseas brand. It boasts of the uniqueness of NZ. <BR>But how do all =
our small businesses attach themselves to this? Sure, not all =
businesses are selling to the international markets. The world will =
become more borderless - for finance and investments, for trade and for =
ideas.<BR>The movie industry is a good example, and local government has =
been superb in the way it has embraced the industry and opportunities it =
offers. We now have relatively large numbers of New Zealanders and their =
companies engaged both here and overseas in all aspects of this =
industry.<BR>In order to grow the economic potential of New Zealand =
there is a need to grow the M=E2ori economy. In some regions the land =
lies unutilised. It may be in need of some investment - skills, =
capital, technology - but in reality it is an opportunity. The key is =
to find the best ways to break the cycle of rates, unpaid rates (and =
write-offs) and accusations of M=E2ori getting a free ride or not =
contributing their fair share.<BR>Many of you will already know that =
M=E2ori land is plagued by factors such as large numbers of owners, =
having no services, being landlocked and having no access. The key is to =
find the strategies to begin the job of bringing it to productive =
use.<BR>Already this government has passed legislation that frees up one =
third of land that was previously landlocked and inaccessible, and we =
have put aside money in this year's Budget to improve the system of =
Maori land titles.<BR><BR>But we also need to think strategically. We =
need M=E2ori land owners, schools, polytechs and employers to come =
together to find the ways to bring the skills to the regions, it needs =
financial institutions and investors to know how to invest with M=E2ori, =
and it needs certainty from the regulators and local authorities to make =
sure that the investment can be made with as low a risk as possible from =
rating, planning and resource management barriers. The key once again is =
building the dialogue and understanding.<BR><BR>Globalisation is a great =
word. It is used to mean cooperating locally to compete globally. This =
can be done in many ways through clusters and business networks or =
through informal networks. Mentoring, strategic planning for regions, =
national level marketing initiatives are all important =
ingredients.<BR><BR>This is important for two main reasons. First it =
provides economic incentives, and brings employment. Second, it =
provides greater opportunity for people to exploit their own creativity, =
productivity and rely on their own personal attributes. <BR><BR>Local =
government is a key player in all of these business development =
requirements. It can bring together the main players from the business, =
social, education sectors and shape the future of the regions, and thus =
the whole country.<BR><BR>You accept that the regional partnerships =
programmes and the endorsing of Local Government Economic Development =
Agency has in no small part accelerated economic =
growth.<BR><BR>Conclusion<BR><BR>Thank you very much for the opportunity =
to speak here today. I want to leave you with a final thought, looking =
to the future: There is a great deal of potential in New Zealand. It =
helps to think of this as an opportunity, rather than a challenge. And =
it is a great opportunity to work with M=E2ori to bring it to fruition =
and for all to be a part of it.<BR><BR>I commend you for the task that =
you undertake. I understand that our communities have high =
expectations. I know they can also be thankless and ungrateful at =
times. But I also know that when the day is over there can be no better =
community to try to do well for than your own community - warts and =
all.<BR><br><br>The John Tamihere mailing list operated by OneSquared =
Limited.<br><br>Click <a =
href=3D'http://www.beehive.govt.nz/Lists/index.aspx?UID=3D2160&unsubscrib=
e=3Dyes'>here</a> to unsubscribe.<br><br>If the unsubscribe link is not =
active, enter the following address in your browser address bar and =
press the Enter =
key.<br><br>http://www.beehive.govt.nz/Lists/index.aspx?UID=3D2160&unsubs=
cribe=3Dyes<br><br>You can also subscribe to this service or change and =
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=3D =
'http://www.beehive.govt.nz/lists/default.cfm'>http://www.beehive.govt.nz=
/lists/default.cfm</a><br><br></font></body></head>
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