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Hokianga Accord Hui Report
Naumai
Marae
20 - 21 July 2006
Evaluation
At the end of each Hokianga Accord hui participants are given the opportunity to provide a summary of their experience of the hui.
Without exception, the hospitality shown by the Naumai people was appreciated and acknowledged by all. The kai was magnificent and the people warm.
As a first-timer to a hui it was an “eye-opener” to hear the discussions. Pakeha did not fully understand the frustration Maori felt as they strived to achieve more positive outcomes for the future.
The public were simply not aware of many of the issues that had been raised during the hui. It was up to everyone to promote the positive aspects of Maori and non-Maori working together to achieve “more fish in the water”.
The Ministry’s approach the previous day was seen as “totally predictable” and it was enlightening to listen to all the talk during the hui. The Forum was encouraged to not change its leadership.
When talking with MFish it was a waste of time getting caught up in “point scoring” as it achieved very little.
It was also obvious that the Hokianga Accord could create and follow through with its own vision of what it wanted to achieve rather than fit into Government constructs. Iwi forums, mataitai and taiapure were examples of these. The Kaipara management project was an example of people working to achieve what they wanted.
The hui had been proof that tangata whenua and Pakeha could work together. There was confidence that both groups would stand together over issues of mutual interest.
Maori were encouraged that non-Maori at the hui had committed to supporting their initiatives, there was kotahitanga (unity) in concern for the whole environment, not just fisheries issues.
Fisheries management in this country is focussed on economic outcomes and property rights. Historically the fishing industry and Ministry had a very monolithic management approach, united against non-commercial interests. It was encouraging to hear Maori talk of tikanga in regards to fisheries management. The Ministry and industry knew all the ‘tricks’ so it was important to devise innovative responses to address these issues.
A veteran of meetings commended the Hokianga Accord for the work that had been done prior to the hui and for achieving things that were rarely seen in Northland.
It was remarkable how the mood of the hui changed after the officials (DoC and MFish) left the marae. It was heartening to hear the positive discussions during the hui. What was surprising was the number of issues facing Maori.
Tangata whenua had to continue to pursue tino rangatiratanga and kawanatanga instead of the Crown relationship models MFish were intent on. The Forum needed to protect the mana of iwi and not allow the Crown to demote everyone’s interests.
A concern was the lack of younger people taking an interest in the hui, more effort needed to go into encouraging them to participate.
Some rural Maori were content to do whatever they thought was acceptable rather than obey MFish rules. It was incumbent on those who knew the ‘bigger picture’ regarding all the issues to educate others about what the Accord was trying to achieve and why.
Te Roroa had spent 13 years negotiating with the Crown regarding their Treaty settlement. It was interesting to listen to the hui discussions, as it seemed that the Crown’s attitude to dealing with tangata whenua had not changed. The Board would be advised that being part of the Hokianga Accord was worthwhile and Te Roroa would report back to the next hui.
The well-researched arguments presented during the hui gave people a lot to think about. Most impressive was the sense of kotahitanga (unity), which was contrary to many people’s previous experience. Tangata whenua and Pakeha took heart from that unity of purpose pervading the Forum, it was very powerful.
People were buoyed by the collective knowledge of those involved in the Forum. Abundance of the fisheries was of utmost importance and the Accord was working well towards achieving its goal of “more fish in the water” “kia maha atu nga ika i roto te wai”.
Once again the term ‘recreational’ fishing was raised as an issue. The term needed to be redefined to reflect the social and cultural aspects of fishing for food.
In some respects, MFish’s decision about the Hokianga Accord not being the mid-north iwi Forum was helpful as it now meant the issue was out in the open and needed to be resolved. Without a doubt, iwi had the right to determine how they wanted to manage their Forum.
“It’s cold outside but you cannot help but feel the warmth of being in amongst friends at this hui”. A glorious statement reflecting the mood of the hui.
It was time for the Hokianga Accord to develop its strategy and direction for the future. Now was the time the Forum needed to do something definitive, even if it was a fairly minor step, to enact its stated objective of increasing the abundance of fisheries.
Maori had been conservationists all their lives and it was encouraging to hear the talk of improving the fisheries, protecting the land and sea.
“I have seen the practise of
the Treaty at its best, throughout this hui.” Maori were not
aware of parts of the Fisheries Act that stipulated the Crown’s
responsibility to tangata whenua and were grateful for the input
of everyone to this hui.
Of major concern was the private members bill before Parliament that proposed to remove all references to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. If that occurred all New Zealanders would be deprived of their rights. This was particularly of concern to everyone who had been to the Hokianga Accord hui hoping for kaitiakitanga and “more fish in the water”.
Ngati Rehia had identified four areas as suitable for mataitai in the northern Bay of Islands. The hui had been a good opportunity to talk with some of the boaties from the Bay area about the plans, as it was obvious that they were a major group to be consulted when they were ready to launch their initiative.
While there was some scepticism about the motives of Pakeha, those had been dispelled by the end of the hui. “I’m just glad we are all getting together as one big whanau,” was a common sentiment expressed during this evaluation session.
Summary
Before Pita Walters would speak on behalf of the hunga kainga (Naumai Marae people) Sonny summarised the major points raised during the evaluation session. He also reminded the hui that the officials were invited to stay for the whole hui but had chosen to leave the previous afternoon.
People also had to consider that many of Ngapuhi’s young people were either working or in training so it was a huge commitment to take two days off during the week to attend a hui. Their absence was not a reflection of them not being interested in the korero.
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Conclusion
Maori and Pakeha were congratulated for conducting a very warm, friendly and informative hui. Sonny was reassured of Ngati Whatua’s support for him to remain the Chairman of the Forum.
After spending two days at Naumai everyone was now part of the whanau. Maori had taken great heart from what they had seen and heard during the hui. They never realised Pakeha would ever support them in that manner.
Te Uri o Hau were pleased to have participated in the hui and were keen for more. The continued development of the relationships between Maori and Pakeha was important. Any correspondence to Te Uri o Hau Settlement Trust should be sent to the Trust as well as copied to the Environs Board. That would ensure everyone is kept informed about the Hokianga Accord. The sharing of knowledge was important.
Naida and Tepania were acknowledged for their part in the decision to have the Hokianga Accord hui at Naumai marae. It had been a pleasure and an honour to host the hui at the “home of the kumara patch kids”.
Scott Macindoe was acknowledged for his passion and commitment to tangata whenua and the Hokianga Accord.
It was accepted there was ignorance about fisheries issues and customary management tools both within Maori and non-Maori communities. More hui of this nature would encourage people to learn more.
The hui was grateful to the kaumatua and kuia of the northern Wairoa, for the powhiri the previous day and guiding the hui to its successful closure.
Pita Walters confirmed all the korero and encouraged everyone to be strong. The Hokianga Accord had the clout and was on the right track.
Hugh Nathan concluded the hui by giving a brief background of the Kaipara. There were four ancestral marae out of 15 around the Kaipara. Naumai were honoured to have everyone at the hui. While there was disappointment with the Ministry’s attitude the previous day, the pressure needed to remain on them. The heat would go on the Government at election time and that would give people the opportunity to speak with their votes.
Hugh asked:
“Why do you have to travel so far to get a better life for all the people? We are merging as one people from today onwards. To our Pakeha friends thank you for what you have said, I hope Maori would do the same, help, if there was a request from Pakeha”.
Pita closed this most successful hui with a karakia (prayer).
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