Unanimous support for Hineuru Iwi Trust to become a member of the National Iwi Chairs Forum
In the first week of November, Hineuru Iwi Trust (HIT) sent a delegation of four to the National Iwi Chairs Forum (NICF). This year’s November forum was hosted by Te Ariki o Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tā Tumu te Heuheu in Taupō.
As usual, NICF was a schedule packed two days; however, many benefits are derived from our attendance. Many of the most topical issues facing Māoridom were discussed during the forum. These were wide-ranging, from Government Reform to Housing, Climate Change and much more.
Notably, at this forum, HIT was officially made a member of NICF. In the past, we have attended the forum; however, we welcome the unanimous endorsement to be a member in our own right. It is only fitting that we acknowledge Ngāti Pāhauwera Development Trust and Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated as they, as existing members of NICF, endorsed our application which enabled it to be tabled. HIT was also pleased to endorse the application by Mana Ahuriri Trust to become a member of NICF. With the plethora of issues facing whānau, hapū and iwi, we must work together, support, and encourage unity amongst iwi Māori to benefit us all.
Trustee, Mana Hazel, gave the following statement about his experience at the forum:
“Anō te pai, te āhuareka o te nohotahi o ngā tuākana me ngā tēina i runga i te whakaaro kotahi! Hineuru ka eke!
The unified and collaborative approach of iwi entities and Māori broadly was once an ideal of science fiction! However, today our whanaunga are sitting pokohiwi ki pokohiwi – rae ki te rae, holding the Kawanatanga to account with highly skilled and experienced technicians.
It was good to see smaller iwi contributing in the same space as the much larger iwi. Despite the difference in size, we all face the same challenges. This, to me, demonstrates the value for us as Hineuru in this forum.
It was timely for Hineuru join this forum in Taupō alongside our whānaunga Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Ngāti Kahungunu iwi, as well as Ngāti Pāhauwera! Hineuru māranga mai! Hineuru ka eke!”
We look forward to ongoing resource sharing and collaboration with fellow members. All members of NICF, no matter how big or small can participate fully. HIT intends to participate actively in the forum for the betterment of Hineuru.
