Sunday, January 29, 2012

Follow up to Maori Land Court Meeting 22 November

The Trust had an appointment at the Aotea Maori Land Court this day to change and appoint trustees as well as review it.

This meeting was called at the Whanganui RSA at 1pm to discuss any matters arising from it.

Matters arising from Maori Land Court meeting

Appoint a Deputy Chairperson

The Maori Land Court judge thought it prudent that the Trust consider appointing a Deputy in the absence of the Chairperson being available. The Chairperson Waru Allen had sent his apologies due to illness.

The matter was put before the Trustees and determined that a Deputy be appointed. Nominations were called for the position.

A Thompson nominated C Paki. T Manawaroa – Te Aweawe seconded it.

L Manawaroa nominated D Paki. D Paki replied he would rather be the guy doing the ‘mahi’ in the background but would accept the position if nominated.

It was put to a vote and a motion passed that C Paki be appointed Deputy Chairman.

Baches

During Court proceedings C Paki mentioned to the Judge that the Trust was in good shape however the “baches situation” was a concern to everyone.

A number of parties had different views on what should happen to the baches on the property. All original bach-holders signed Memorandum of Understanding forms and one of the main points was that they applied to the original owners with life-time interests only. This was confirmed by L Manawaroa.

The Judge agreed that there were a variety of issues that needed to be resolved and asked the Trust to provide a progress report to him within six months.

It was agreed that the Trust would debate the matter at our next meeting.

Other business

Expenses


C Paki asked if the Trust could reimburse his travel costs from Auckland to attend Trust meetings.

He had spent close on $1000 this year on travel to attend meetings and did not want to bear the burden alone. L Manawaroa disagreed saying she would prefer local people as costs would be less and attendance could be an issue. D Paki asked whether any trustees were receiving fees. No-one could answer properly yes or no.

It was ascertained that C Paki wanted to be involved with helping progress the Trust forward and that it was a fair and reasonable request.

It was put to a vote and a motion passed that C Paki be reimbursed all past and current travel costs to attend Trust meetings.

Next Meeting

We discussed possible dates for our next meeting.

Still to be determined.

Aotea Maori Land Court meeting 22 November 2011

The Trust had an appointment at the Aotea Maori Land Court this day to change and appoint trustees as well as review it.

Trustees replaced:
* Frances Huwyler (resigned)
* Anita Seymour (non attendance)
* Arapiu (non attendance)
* Nahona Paki (deceased)
* Whare Te Maari (deceased)

Trustees re-confirmed

* Waru Allen (gave apologies due to illness)
* Mary Ruihi Smith Topine (need to confirm)
* Ruihi Manawaroa (Aunty Lil)
* Mary Wakefield

New Trustees

* Tohe Manawaroa-Te Aweawe
* Casey Patena Mariu Paki
* Albert Rongonui Thompson
* Karen Ann Boyce
* Davey Maanuera Paki

The Court then opened the floor to see if anyone had anything to say.

I brought up the issue of Whanau being unhappy with people having baches on the property. A debate ensued with the result being that the Court wanted a progress report in six months. It was something that needed to be clarified so everyone knew where they stood.

The Court then suggested that the Trust elect a deputy chairperson if the chairman was unwell or in hospital regularly.

The Court then thanked everyone for their time and looked forward to our report in six months

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Was notified on Saturday 3 December that the Chairman of Rakautaua No 9 Trust Waru Allen passed away.

I only got to know Uncle Waru in recent years and knew of him more by reputation.

One story I do have, is me asking him at the last Trust meeting he attended, to enlighten us "younger ones" about what he remembers of the beach. He smiled and giggled to himself as he reminisced about the beach and funnily, Whangaehu pub patrons. It took me a while to realise that some of his conversation was about my koros brothers. Gems I never knew about. I thought I was making it up in my head. That changed when my brother came over to me excitedly after coming to the same conclusion. It was priceless.

A knowledgeable well-respected kaumatua who seemed to be involved in all things that helped Maori progress forward. I even remember watching the news one time on TV with cameras focussed on the regal gentleman speaking on the marae...Uncle Waru.

A person I know we will fondly remember and miss deeply.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Update

Kia ora

Haven't said too much lately. Just waiting...

Meeting at last at the Aotea Maori Land Court on Tuesday 10.30am to replace and remove trustees. They will also review the Trust.

Will be interesting and is another small step in the right direction.

Need to make the most of my time down there and want to try and tick a few other things off my list while there if possible.

Monday, May 2, 2011

A new beginning...???

Its Monday night and I am back home after having gone down to Wanganui last Wednesday to attend the Rakautaua No 9 Trust meeting held at the Maori Land Court last Friday afternoon.

It was good to see a few rellies I haven't seen for a while and a few new ones as well.

My initial thoughts are that we are on the road to progressing things at long last.

A number of new trustees have been voted in.

* Davey Paki
* Casey Paki
* Albert Thompson
* Karen Boyce
* Peter Manawaroa

...along with three of the Kaumatua who were already on the Trust

* Waru Alan
* Lilian Manawaroa
* Mary Wakefield

It was evident by a lot of the korero spoken that the bach agreements signed by the bach dwellers needs to be resolved as quickly as possible.

Cleaning the beach and conservation were also discussed.

The Marine and Coastal Area Act was briefly discussed. I can see the reason why it is something we need to pursue but more investigation is required.

In general I think the meeting was really about getting some new faces onto the Trust. Between us all, hopefully, it will provide new motivation and passion to help us achieve some of the goals we all want to see done.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

you think everything is sorted and then ...

AGM in Wanganui end of April 2011 and I am looking forward to it.

I was going to attend to help in whatever capacity to get the Trust moving forward. Have now found out things are happening in the background that are bigger than the beach and may turn the situation into a political stoush.

The Marine and Coastal Area Act allows me to go to Court and contest customary title if you meet criteria and I'm sure we probably do.

Problem is why? What is the end goal is in mind? How is that going to help the beneficiaries of the beach?

I am sure more details will follow...

Pic of Rakautaua 9 block surveyed