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Te Runanga o Ngati Porou Hui |
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Written by Tuwhakairiora Whanau
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Thursday, 01 May 2008 |
The whole of Logan and the Gold Coast representatives and ‘Ngatiporou Tuturu’ were enthralled last night with the presentation from Ngati Porou Runanga CEO Te Amohaere Houkamau and the Deputy Chairman Herewini Parata.
The presentation on the Ngatiporou Whakapapa by Selwyn left many in the hall overwhelmed and astonished about how tight the relationships in Ngatiporou really were and this was a must see and a real highlight of the night.
Selwyns explanations and the way the whakapapa ‘lined up’ through waiata composed by some of Ngatiporous’ Kaitito Rongonui’ was exhilarating and if you thought you were a ‘gun’ on the whakapapa’ then Selwyn’s presentation would have far exceeded your expectations.
From the outset the hui Selwyn opened with waiata and through his whole presentation the waiata followed his every word like a wafting trail of hangi aroma…beautiful…just beautiful.
Amo made a beautiful presentation about the condition the runanga was in and it’s ever far reaching desires to go further in the near future. She spoke of our financial position which is good…damn good in fact…but only those who were there will know how well. (arohamai)
She spoke on all of the assets and businesses that we all own as Ngatiporou tangata and how they will benefit our people in the future.
Amo re-enforced that the Runanga was there to negotiate on and behalf of hapu and whanau not to take control of how they run their everyday affairs and this was the poignant message that a few of the ‘taringa turi’need to understand back home and abroad.
The fact that the runanga has been given the mandate by the majority of hapu is a big plus and a first by any iwi and as usual Ngatiporou has broken the ‘ice’ by being the first to do so.
The Runanga does not control any of the ‘spoils’ from the negotiations should there be any compensation or‘re-dress’ on the contrary that is left in the hands of the hapu to dispense with not the Runanga
As soon as the ‘whakaputa mohio ‘ and ‘moaners & groaners get that in their thick noggins people might see the real story of the effort of these talented and gifted modern day warriors who battle on all our behalf not the selected few.
Both are very passionate about our iwi and so are all the ‘runanga team’ that everyday they do battle in the ‘corridors of power’ not just for the now but for the future.
They are the un-sung heroes who always get jeered and sneered at by those who have nothing better to do than talk behind a bottle of beer or throw stones but are not prepared to speak ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ as is the art of the ‘true’ leader and people of courage and conviction.
Thank you both Herewini and Amo for coming over to ‘present’ to us even though you were called by our whanaunga in Sydney but you came out of courtesy and aroha for your whanaunga here in Brisbane.
What a powerful and beautiful presentation it was we are for ever grateful and we invite you both back when you next have time in your busy schedules to do so. Next time let’s make it a whole weekend and take a week off so you fullas can take a well earned holiday with your tamariki.
I’ll tell Terri ‘Crikey’ Irwin that you’re coming…never know...might be able to open our own ‘Croc Farm on the Coast one day. "Well ok not Crocs...they nastee!
Kia pai korua ki te tango I nga korero nei.
Ka mahartia tenei e matou taea noatia ki te matenga.. Na to whanaunga aroha O nga hapu katoa o Ngatiporou.
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