13/12/2022
Congratulations to the newly elected trustees of Ngatai Iwi Authority. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with you.
First Ngaitai iwi Authority board elected in Seven Years, Vercoe named Chair.
Excitement surrounds Torere as wayfinders found to chart a path forward for Ngāitai/ Ngāi Tai. For the first time in seven years, the Iwi members have appointed trustees on Ngaitai Iwi Authority (NIA). Ngaitai Iwi Authority is the mandated iwi organisation for Ngāitai/ Ngāi Tai with the purpose of furthering the well-being of the Iwi, culturally, socially and economically.
Ngāitai/ Ngāi Tai Uri gathered at Tōrere marae for the Ngāitai Iwi Authority AGM on November 20 2022. It was a full house, with over 100 in attendance. Interim trustee Baden Vertogen worked with whānau through the AGM and election process.
Twenty strong candidates were nominated from within the iwi to fill seven trustee positions. Despite some challenges, including a shortened voting period, there was a strong consensus from attendees to move forward.
The newly elected candidates are: Anaru Vercoe, Ashlee Mio, Carlene Davis, Kaareen Hotereni, Kiri Maxwell, Lisa Kelly and Peter van Kampen. Their three-year term is effective immediately. Results were overseen by scrutineers Melinda Broek, Rangi Williams and Ripeka Mihaere.
Election of officers
Since the AGM, the elected trustees have met for their first meeting. Anaru Vercoe was named as Chairman, Kiri Maxwell as Deputy - Chair, Carlene Davis as interim treasurer, and Kaareen Hotereni as interim Secretary.
From the Tiamana – Anaru Veroe
The results of the election signalled that Ngāitai/ Ngāi Tai is ready to move forward, with each Trustee bringing with them a collective range of skills that include, project management, accounting, planning and policy, education, central and local government experience, Treaty settlements, and more.
The collective vision must be with the people of Ngāitai/ Ngāi Tai, one which embodies our aspirations concerning our tikanga, mātauranga, reo, economic, social and cultural development. Our key priorities in front us is to:
1. Whakatū ano te whare hei whakarūrūhau.
2. Develop a plan with the whanau that will identify the key areas of mahi in preparing for the future: this includes consideration of our Treaty settlement, fishing and housing endeavours and to build partnerships with local and central government agencies.
3. Reignite our relationships with our whānau from Te Whanau a Apanui, Whakatohea, Tūhoe and Ngāti Pōrou. The Raukūmarā project must also include us where a great deal of our mātauranga resides.
4. Build our kaitiakitanga capacity
The Trustees have made a commitment to hui with the whanau regularly, to discuss issues, to share our histories and to galvinise us under the Korowai of Torere-nui-a-rua. Kia ū ki a tatou, kia hapai ake te wairua! This is our commitment to you, our people, our waka.
Election Stats
Valid votes – 206
Invalid votes (as of Sunday 20/11/22) – 35
Late votes (received after Sunday but only upto 23/11/22) – 18
Total votes – 259
‘Return rate’ based on total votes sent out – 16%
