SOLOMON THREATENS HIS OWN PEOPLE

We have had a few threatening emails over the Ngai Tahu controversy. We have had them before and they dont scare us much.

However we think that this email below, which has been sent to all runanga ( the local councils) by some in the Solomon family in Kaikoura, who are distressed at the ousting of Wally Stone, shows that Mark Solomon is not the man to lead Ngai Tahu.The Solomons are a proud, wonderful family but as I have said before, sometime the blood thins through the generations.

Anyway here is the letter that has been sent throughout the Ngai Tahu rohe ( area) which will give some insight into the threatening behaviour and perhaps the intellect of Mark Solomon.



Kia ora Ngai Tahu Whanui

It is with saddness that my sister Hariata Manawatu and I (Martin Solomon) find ourselves having to address the serious break down in communication between our Runanga Chair Thomas Kahu and kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon who are both our nephews.

Mark's nomination to contest the position of kaiwhakahaere was supported by myself because my brother Wiremu Solomon who was then Upoko would not.

In the past we have had exceptional leadership in my father (Rangi Solomon) and brother (Wiremu Solomon) they were men of mana and humility. Through there labour we acquired land to build our marae, and an economic base through Whalewatch which is now a tourism icon.

The language used by our Kaikoura rununga representative, and Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere in communicating with our runanga chairman, Thomas Kahu, and our executive, is not a reflection of these men of mana.

Below is an example of what I believe is the inappropriate language from Mark, an email that I and Hariata, have read as a result of concerns raised by rununga members and whanau.

"That's alright taina. You resist. Let's see what happens. You are an incompetent fool who rushed to defend stone befor engaging his brain. Look around fool how many in the whanau support him. Everyone I have spoken to despises him. you can Reap the dividend. Know this taina"

Mark

Taina, as expressed by the kaiwhakahaere above, has become to him a derogatory term implying a sense of being worthless to the person or people to whom he has directed it.

Tuakana is a role of responsibiity, it is about encouraging, empowering,supporting. It's about being inclusive not exclusive "taina are not mokai to tuakana".

The tone of this email is totally unacceptable. It falls well short of how we speak to each other as whanau, and if this is the leadership style supported and exercised by tront members, then we as a peopl are in serious trouble.
Our tront table has been divided for the last 3 years. The events of the past week are the last straw and I call for our representative on tront to resign. We believe it is time for change, and we will put forward a more appropriate delegate in the coming weeks.

Martin Solomon

We read this with sadness but no surprise.
There is also an iwi wide petition circulating calling for Solomon to step down.

NGAI TAHU RIVEN BY PERSONAL ATTACKS.

Ngai Tahu would never be able to field a good rugby team. They are too busy playing the man and not the ball.

The Herald reports this morning about a letter circulating that attacks all the iwi members the writer believed are trying to get rid of Mark Solomon. It is nasty - we are aware of its contents.

our comments are in red

Internal revolt within Ngai Tahu is continuing, with seven tribal leaders banding together to push for change from within their governing body, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront).

Yes that is correct.

Some of them say that because they've spoken out, a "nasty" campaign has started, which includes an anonymous letter being sent to media naming 10 iwi members and alleging, among other things, that some associate with rapists and murderers.

The typewritten note was sent to the Otago Daily Times this week. The author identifies the 10 as anti-Tront iwi members.

If they are ten then Solomon is in real trouble. He has lost the numbers.

Otakou Runanga chairman Tahu Potiki said the letter amounted to "threatening, bully-boy tactics".

He also alleged that his emails to other iwi leaders had been hacked.

For three weeks, the tribe has been in turmoil, a situation started by revelations it would be spending $52 million over four years on a cultural centre. Last month, Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation chairman Wally Stone, who advised against that spending in the current market, was dismissed.

Mr Potiki said asking for "transparency" had seen all sorts of "hell" break loose.

Yip, both sides are claiming to want more transparency and accountability. Its a bit fo a worry for people like us who expected that by now the Tribe would have developed into a mature corporate citizen.

"This is because we want to have a debate about how much a building costs, how much senior management get paid and why they got rid of Wally Stone. In [a Ngai Tahu] election year, these are reasonable questions to ask, yet these nutbars think they can shut down all discussion because they want to hold on to power.

"And they think they're going to intimidate us with this sort of crap."

There is no way you can intimidate Tahu, big boy, big brain and probably a biggish ego. Unlike Solomon though, we think he displays more humility.

Chairmen from seven of 18 papatipu runanga - the constituents that make up Tront - yesterday publicly called for radical change in the way Te Runanga interacts with their members. They represent Hokonui, Otakou, Arowhenua, Awarua, Wairewa, Kaikoura and Ngati Waewae.

Yes this is the core of the dissent but other runanga are also split on support for Solomon.

The Herald requested an interview with Tront chairman Mark Solomon. But a spokeswoman said he was unavailable. In a written statement, he said he would not be involved in any further media debate.

We actually agree with this, not unitl he has met with his people first.

Awarua runanga chairwoman Hana Morgan said too many important decisions were being made in committee, without any accountability to members, eroding papatipu rights.

"We've tried going through our representative," she said. "They [Tront] ignore us. We've said, 'Come to the marae, listen to what we're saying'. They don't do that. It's like we're becoming invisible."

We don't do invisible in Awarua ( Bluff). We don't like being railroaded. The women of Awarua are known for their fearlessness and it is that strength that will carry them through. They have over the years garnered considerable support within their community.

Kia Kaha girls, Kia Kaha.

And this is from the ODT

Conspiracy against open speech is causing difficulties inside one of the country's wealthiest iwi, a prominent Ngai Tahu member says.

Otakou Runanga chairman and former Ngai Tahu chief executive Tahu Potiki said he is no longer prepared to be intimidated by "dirty tactics", following allegations of private emails being hacked, and an anonymous letter delivered to the Otago Daily Times.

Iwi members who have spoken out against recent decisions, including the sacking of Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation chairman Wally Stone and the proposed $52 million cultural centre, have been attacked for airing their opinions, Mr Potiki said.

"There seems to be a conspiracy against open speech."

In other developments, Mr Potiki said he was aware of private emails circulating that appear to have been hacked and released to other recipients without their consent.

"This is not how people envisaged Ngai Tahu democracy should unfold."

That has to be the understatement of this whole saga.

This week, an anonymous typewritten letter was delivered to the Otago Daily Times concerning iwi members - viewed as being against Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere (chairman) Mark Solomon.

The letter alleges "there has been and continues to be a carefully managed and orchestrated effort to pull down the walls of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (Tront)", and names 10 iwi members, including Mr Potiki.

It appeared anyone who questioned the direction of Tront became the subject of a smear campaign, he said.

"It has become like a socialist government."

Tension between the commercial and political bodies of Ngai Tahu, which has an asset base of more than $600 million, spilled over last month following the surprise dumping of Mr Stone.

In a statement Mr Solomon refused to comment on the "current tribal issues Ngai Tahu is experiencing".

"I have taken this stance because the path forward for Ngai Tahu is to return to our values as a tribe and I am confident that we will resolve these matters through open and honest discussions on the marae.

"Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu is obligated to act in the best interests of Ngai Tahu Whanui, and it is for this reason that I have called a meeting of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu for us to address these matters as a responsible board."

There is no trust in the current administration, and if one of Marks supporters can name 10 who are not happy with his leadership, then his days are numbered.

Last month, Kaikoura runanga kaumatua requested Mr Solomon resign as their representative, calling for another person to stand in the June elections.

Mr Solomon has refused to comment on the future of his position, saying "the place to debate tribal politics is the marae".

A special closed door meeting between Tront representatives was held in Christchurch today, with an open hui scheduled for March 20.

A request by the ODT to attend the open hui was turned down by Ngai Tahu.

We wonder if Rehua is going to be big enough to handle the number of people who will be attending.

A NEW DISGRACE FOR NGAI TAHU

This story in the Herald about Ngai Tahu here is absolutely appalling - for three reasons.

The first reason is that Ngai Tahu chief Mark Solomon pulls in about $200 thousand dollars a year - his deputy Donald Crouch gets a fair wack as well- combined about $390 thousand between them. While all around them New Zealanders are standing up and showing leadership and financial prudence in the face of an economic tsunami, they voted them selves another slice of the Ngai Tahu financial pie. Pure greed.

The second reason is that they are basing their financial future and security on more settlements from the crown.

They have had 10 years to lay the foundation for a secure future for Ngai Tahu. It appears our tribe led by Mark Solomon is still in grievance mode. This, more than his involvement in the ousting of Wally Stone, or his temerity at giving himself a pay increase when the people he serves are asked to tighten their belts, is the reason he should go.

The third reason is Mark is also presiding over an organisation that can find less that 1% savings while government departments are being asked to prune at least 10% percent from their budgets.

If Ngai Tahu beneficiaries want a sound future for their mokopuna then the woolly thinking, lack of financial acumen and the selfish actions of those led by Mark will not deliver it.

What Ngai Tahu does need is a leader who has vision and forsight, who leads by example.

We remember when over ten years ago the tribe was dumbfounded and disgusted when the media revealed the amount that Sir Tipene was paid. He was angry but the tribe was angrier and it is time once more for beneficiaries to show their displeasure and ask for the resignation of Mark Solomon and those who do his bidding.

Ngai Tahu bosses take pay rises amid cost-cutting

By Yvonne Tahana

Leaders of one of the country's richest iwi have taken a huge pay increase while asking the tribe to cut costs.

Mark Solomon, kaiwhakahaere (chairman) of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, his deputy Donald Couch and their assistant are in line to receive $386,885 between them this financial year, 35 per cent more than last year.

The Weekend Herald understands the runanga - the South Island tribe's governing body - asked its office in December to assess how much money it could save this financial year. The office reported it could cut $262,000 from its $24 million budget.

Robin Wybrow, a Ngai Tahu leader from Wairewa runanga, is angry he has had to find out about the increase through the media. He said it was "appalling" that the smaller runanga who made up Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu were never consulted.

"I'm staggered. It's hard to justify at any time but it's harder to justify in the present financial environment. Many Ngai Tahu are going to be facing job losses, not pay increases. It shows a lack of sensitivity to iwi members who are going to be suffering."

While other large iwi such as Tainui state in their annual reports how much their leaders receive, Ngai Tahu, which is worth $600 million, does not. Pay structure - and who is getting what proportion of the total sum - is also not mentioned.

Another Ngai Tahu leader said the pay increase was sickening. "Are they embarrassed to have their salaries public? Of course they are - it's obscene."

Last night, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu would not comment.

The spending review does not take into account the tribe's $52 million investment in its cultural centre, The House of Tahu.

Ousted Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation chairman Wally Stone believes the centre is an investment that is not in the tribe's best interests, given the economic outlook.

The tribe's executive leadership is banking on "significant" sums from further Treaty settlements to guarantee a strong financial future for Ngai Tahu.

THE GREAT PRETENDER

Our mate David Farrar has been having a nosebag courtesy of Ngai Tahu. He told me in passing earlier this week that he was a guest of the PR firm that Mark Solomon hires to write all his stuff at the Wellington Chamber of Commerce celeb breakfast this week.

Its a common enough ploy of PR people to invite influential people to enjoy their hospitality. Been there and done that.

I think I suggested to David that he was dining with Ngai Tahu's spinners far too often and they were wanting to take advantage of his position as a serious media influencer. I think I was pretty rude ( actually I was ) but he took it in good grace. My position on Solomon is well documented and David accepts my right to have a differing opinion. I like that in a person.

I think, for the sake of the tribe that Solomon must go.

However it appears for a plate of Bacon and Eggs with some OJ on the side, David has succumbed yet again to the web that was woven by Team Solomon and is happy to sing the praises of Mark.

Its a shame really. A shame that better analysis and probing is not applied to the Ngai Tahu machine.

Solomon is like Helen Clark - he has past his Use By Date. Only difference is Clark was the brains behind the speeches and policy she made.

Solomon, on the other hand relies on the wit and wisdom of others. That does not an inspiring leader make.

TIME FOR SOLOMON TO GO

It is time for the titular head of Ngai Tahu to show the wisdom of his namesake and resign. Mark Solomon has fallen well short fo the conduct that we as a tribe expect from our leader. He has shown he is small minded, argueably vindictive and lacking in the financial nous needed to keep the assets of our people safe. His integrity also faces scrutiny. The Christchurch Press today reveals the paper that was written detailing the reasons and the process for Stones removal.

What the Press does not reveal is that Stone at the meeting asked if a paper had been written that outlined his dismissal. Solomon denied its existence. Stone asked again, and again Solomon denied any paper existed. Then to the shock and dismay of the runanga members Stone produced the paper that damned him. The meeting ended in disarray and while Solomon set about trying to convince Stone to resign - he wouldn't, so Solomon was forced to oust him that afternoon and dress it up as a " change of direction".

Some runanga are fearful that the way the ousting was carried out will also open up the tribe to a lengthy court battle. We think their fears are well grounded.

Last night the calls kept coming. Stone is hugely regarded in Wellington business and government circles. Such is his mana that his tenure on some boards is seen as pivotal to their success.

Solomon has presided over the most controversial time in Ngai Tahu's history since it received its settlement in the late 1990s. He was anointed by Sir Tipene O'Regan. It was felt that his good looks and his whakapapa and quiet manner would make him the ideal face for the iwi. His ego has grown over the years but the intellect remains static. He does not display the skills of chairmanship that are needed to give fire and strength and trust to the team around him.
When his own runanga is angry and dismayed at his decision then it is time for him to be removed. We hope that this latest debacle unites the iwi to putting pressure on Solomon to oust him and replace him with a real leader who will build a strong committed and united team that will take Ngai Tahu through the tough economic times ahead and on into a better future.

SOLOMON AND THE TRUTH ARE STRANGERS

Mark Solomon's bizarre performance on TVNZ's Q and A programme on Sunday sent ripples through Maoridom. He was at a meeting of the leaders on Friday in Auckland but for some reason he seemed to have a totally different view of what was decided. It cold be contended that Solomon lacks the intellectual firepower to articulate some of the complex and elegant resolutions the meeting decided upon.

The following resolutions were passed at the Hui a Iwi convened on the 4th June 2010 to discuss the foreshore and seabed replacement framework.

The attendees at the Hui a Iwi/hapu:

1. Recognise that mana whenua, which includes ownership as understood under tikanga [custom], rests with iwi/hapu who are the kaitiaki [guardians] of their respective rohe moana [coastal area];

2. Strongly support that the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 must be repealed and vesting of the foreshore and seabed in the Crown be revoked;

3. Recognise that the foreshore and seabed is, and must remain, inalienable as that is consistent with tikanga [custom];

4. Accept and affirm that the regime must, in respect of all foreshore and seabed, include the following as principles: a. Explicit recognition of the mana of iwi/hapu as enduring and inalienable; b. Explicit recognition of the partnership of the parties under the Te Tiriti o Waitangi [Treaty of Waitangi].

5. Accept and affirm the following as components of the replacement framework; a. Direct negotiations between the Crown and iwi/hapu, provided that settlements and breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi cannot be relied upon to extinguish rights; b. Access to the courts as a constitutional right.

6. Emphasise that although the Crown proposal does not meet all iwi/hapu concerns about the foreshore and seabed it appears to improve on the position in the 2004 Act.

7. Recognise and acknowledge the iwi leaders working group (ILG) for the work and instructs them to further engage with the Crown, to develop and expand understandings, and further improve the outcomes for iwi/hapu.

8. Encourage the Government to recognise that the positions adopted by this hui of iwi/hapu may require a `longer conversation' between the Crown and iwi/hapu, as recommended by the Waitangi Tribunal and Ministerial Review Panel, and that if a `longer conversation' is pursued that the repeal of the 2004 Act and revocation of Crown ownership of the foreshore and seabed be progressed in the immediate [future].

Instead Solomon went off on a terrible divisive tangent that showed he has not grasped the importance of customary title by bringing the existing foreshore and seabed titles into the debate - we in fact they have little to do with the constitutional argument that has seen Maori denied the rights to prove customary title in court.

It is clear with the " leaking " of the resolutions to the NZ Herald today and Api Mahuika's elegant conversation with Sean Plunket this morning on RNZ that Solomon is very very confused.

Api gave him what is the Maori equivalent of a pat on the head and told to sit down while he quietly told the nation via the media what the Maori leaders were wanting and showing that what they want and what the government is offering are akin.

Ngai Tahu should be ashamed of Solomons divisive and confused play - it is clear he sees himself as the leader of leaders. That shows he has a scant regard for the role of Whakapapa and the Tuakana ( seniority ) role that both Ngati Porou and and Api Mahuika have.

By annointing himself as the leader of leaders Solomon has shamed his people. Her clearly lacks the intellectual grunt, the wisdom and a fundemental understanding of tikanga.

In short the tall blue eyed tama is an embarrassment.

They are my cuzzies and I love em.

Ngai Tahu has just stomped all over the ETS --


They have put a claim to the Waitangi Tribunal because they will see millions of dollars wiped off their asset if the bill goes ahead...

They arent asking for more - they reckon ( and they are right ) that the ETS will wipe off the value of what they already have.

Hhere is some of the transcript from RNZ this morning between Shaun Plunket and Solomon


or go to Radionz.co.nz and listen for more



SOLOMON: Very urgent, I mean if the ETS goes through its final reading, it literally wipes tens of
millions of dollars off our bottom line.
PRESENTER: What are you going to be saying then to, for example, the Maori Party, about
whether or not to help the Government out in terms of moving this through Parliament.
SOLOMON: Well there's, in some sense there's a bit of a difference between us and other tribes.
Ngai Tahu and four other tribes settled in the late 90's, before the introduction of the ETS, so
there's five of us who paid best value prices at the time, to now have the trading system put on top
of us, which again literally wipes tens of millions of dollars off our bottom line.
PRESENTER: The Government seems to be pretty hell bent on getting the ETS through, um, in
what is a pretty strained political environment, are you saying it shouldn't go through until issues ...
SOLOMON: Not in its current form. Ngai Tahu supports the Crown in the sense that it wishes to
introduce a [sic] emissions trading scheme, we accept that the world has to deal with the climate
control, what Ngai Tahu is not accepting is that we carry an unshare ...
PRESENTER: Unfair.
SOLOMON: ... burden of the cost.
PRESENTER:


MARK SOLOMON (CHAIRMAN, NGAI TAHU): It's all around the, the date, the 1990 pre-forest,
basically Ngai Tahu bought its lands at best value prices, acknowledging to, ah, putting upfront to
the Crown at the start that we weren't interested in the forests once the cutting licences would re
[sic], ah, would finish, we would convert to farming. Under the emissions trading scheme we face
literally tens of millions of dollars worth of penalty if we don't immediately re, replant the forests.

EXCLUSIVE - THE WINDS OF CHANGE ARE BLOWING IN THE SOUTH.

The best news we have had for a week. Wally Stone has been elected as a runanga representative of Ngati Wheke to the Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu ruling council.

Wally , who has the huge respect of the New Zealand business community fell foul of Mark Solomon and left his job as chair of the financial power house of Ngai Tahu empire - Ngai Tahu Holding corp earlier this year.

The last ten years has seen an unstable tribe council riven by bitter personality battles that have spilled into the public arena.

We have been happy to put our hand up and say that Solomon must go.

His reign at the top of the "Table" has not unified the tribe. And his ego has prevented him from making the decision that would have shown integrity - to step aside.

Just recently we came across Solomon in the Wellington Airport - he yelled at us and waved his big Solomon finger in our face. He is obviously no fan of Roarprawn and BustedBlonde and we saw first hand why some people believe he is a bully.

It was not the action of a man of dignity.

But we are not scared of him. Instead we just laughed at him. His finger may be big but his mana is puny.

So the election of Tahu Potiki last week and Wally Stone this week means that we will see a change of direction in our tribes politics. We hope that it will mean that Solomon will finally show some humility and step down.

Our dream team would be Wally Stone at the helm with Tahu Potiki as deputy and to ensure that we dont see anymore swinging dicks, that the role of the chair is more clearly defined on governance and not the semi titular head it appears to have become.

We also want to see some of the people who have built their own businesses and shown strong leadership representing Ngai Tahu on boards and organisations around the country instead of the same old tired faces who have been sychophants of Solomon.

We also want to see Ngai Tahu take the lead and form stronger relationships with other iwi so that we can take advantage of the economies of scale that joint ventures with other tribes can offer.

And we want, apart from issues of commercial sensitivy, utter transparency. No more PR spin glossing up the tribes performance - tell it like it is.

We are well pleased with todays events as every Ngai Tahi beneficiary should be. We firmly believe that together Potiki and Stone have the brains, financial prudence and wise leadership to take the tribe forward. Kia Kaha to you both.

Solomon needs a whipping

From Kiwiblog.

The Herald reports:

Maori will refuse to forgo their rights to the foreshore and seabed and see it vested in the public domain unless private owners do the same, says Mark Solomon, Ngai Tahu chairman and member of a Maori iwi leadership group.

If this really is the position of Iwi, then I say the Government should simply repeal the FSA and let courts decide, rather than have a negotiated package.

There is a fundamental difference between existing private owners of parts of the foreshore & seabed, and the Iwi’s claims.

Existing private owners already have title, which is not in dispute. That title has generally been paid for incidentally.

Iwi do not hold title to any parts of the foreshore & seabed. All they had was a Court of Appeal decision that said they could argue for title in court if they could prove continuous usage of a discrete area of the foreshore and/or seabed since 1840.

Now I accept Iwi may have a sincere belief that they do have title, based on them being here before 1840. But that is not the law of the land, and is not what the Court of Appeal found. All the Court of Appeal found was a right to make a claim for discrete areas.

What is especially disappointing in the position of the Iwi, is how unprincipled their stance is. Many groups opposed the FSA (such as ACT and the Business Roundtable0 because it removed their rights to go to court, and supported Iwi as a matter of principle in upholding property rights. Now Iwi are arguing that the Government should confiscate fee simple titles off 12,000 persons, while giving Iwi the right to gain customary title. It is an entirely unprincipled position to take, and risks burning off support for an alternative to the Foreshore & Seabed Act.

Tags: Mark Solomon, seabed & foreshore

NGAI TAHU ABOUT TO REAP RETURNS OF TRIBES INVESTMENTS?

It looks like it. We are delighted to read about our tribes future from the NZ Herald.
We are delighted that Mark Solomon keeps presenting all the good financial ideas the tribe has as his own, when in fact the real financial grunt comes from Wally Stone et al new appointments to the Table.

We are delighted that Mark still manages to sound like a complete arrogant prick.

All that aside Maori do have the collective financial grunt to be a force to be reckoned with in the years ahead we have said that for a bloody long time.

Fran has written an illuminating piece on the tribe , and we are not sure if its deliberate or not but you get the impression that Solomon was waving his big swinging todger around while he was being interviewed.

We are also delighted to hear that iwi will be able to invest in the commercial assets of the tribe. However we would have thought that it is more important to tell the people what the tribe is up to before telling the rest of New Zealand and a quick scan of the cuzzies indicates that this is the first they have heard of it. Mind you a few of us were on the muttonbird islands ( and many still are ) doing what Ngai Tahu/Waitaha/ KatiMamoe Maori traditionally do.

But then that says it all really. They are getting on with making their own way in the world while Solomon gets to play around with other peoples money and then forgets to ensure that they at least know what the grand plan is and there is a deep suspicion among many down south that Mark is quick to let people think that he is the brains behind the tribe.

Better communications boys with the people you serve .. please otherwise you just come across as paternalistic twats.

And less of the puff pieces and more accolades for the real financial thinkers behind the strategic direction the tribe is heading.

HE DOTH PROTEST TOO MUCH

Mark Solomon the annointed leader of Ngai Tahu has sent out this very threatening missive to the people he serves.

It misses the point. What we are concerned about is his integrity. The fundemental issues is: Did he lie about the existence of the paper designed to orchestrate the dismissal of Wally Stone? click here for the background

If he did then the Whanui can no longer trust him and he must go. In many ways his fate rests with his noble runanga, Kaikoura. We think that like the Whales they protect, the people of Kaikoura are strong. They will not buckle in the face of threats and they will seek the truth.

Here is what Mark has sent to us. We think it is not becoming of a leader as it is threatening, contradictory and not coherent but we will not bow in the face of threats. We say to you Mark - Your people want to know the truth. Face the people , tell them the truth. You are their servant. Our comments are in red.

I am writing to all Representatives, Alternates and Papatipu Rūnanga on a matter of some importance. As you are all no doubt aware, following the decision of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu at the weekend to remove Wally Stone as Chair and director of NTHC a small number of Rūnanga chairs have chosen to take the internal business of Te Rūnanga to the media.

Sorry Mark you are wrong - some of those who have always supported you now harbour doubt

In my view, these are matters for the marae not the media. However, while I strongly disagree with their whakaaro and the forum they have chosen, they do have a right to voice their own views on this matter.

Yes we do Mark and when we feel that our voices cannot be heard at the table what other avenues do we have?

That said, the leaking to the media of the confidential internal memorandum written by Tony Gray is in another category. The public release of contents of the memorandum have the potential to irreparably damage the reputation of not only Wally Stone and the NTHC Board members, but also senior staff of NTHC. I am aware that the release of this internal memorandum has caused deep personal distress to some of the individuals concerned and to their families.

All we want to know is, who ordered the creation of the paper that was to outline the dismissal process for Wally Stone. Remember you are ultimately responsible for the action of Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu

On behalf of Te Rūnanga I wish to make it clear that the release of this memorandum, firstly to Te Rūnanga Representatives and then to the media cannot be condoned at any level. These are the actions of a few thoughtless and irresponsible individuals who are seeking to cause harm to the reputation of both Te Rūnanga and NTHC for personal and political reasons.

Many people are grieving, their actions are considered. They simply cannot let this rest without some measure of justice.

Those individuals should not remain anonymous. They should have the courage to come forward and to apologise for the distress and any reputational damage they have caused. It goes without saying that these actions are totally inconsistent with the fundamental duty of each Representative to act in the best interests of Ngāi Tahu Whānui. Therefore, if any existing Te Rūnanga Representatives have been involved in any way with the leaking of this memorandum to the media they should resign immediately.

This is your view as the servant of your people. The people who have given light to this issue do so because they believe that the only way for it to be settled is to take it from the Table and let the people they represent know what has happened.

I repeat the offer which was made in a previous e-mail - if any rūnanga wishes to discuss this or any other matter kanohi ki te kanohi then I am more than happy to do so. As we know, information in the media can be presented in a manner that stretches or distorts the truth. One example of this is that the vote taken was 11 in support of the removal of Wally and 7 against. In fact the vote was 11 for, 2 abstentions, 2 against and 3 absent. Te Rūnanga is confident that it has taken the right decision for the right reasons and that the Te Rūnanga Group is well placed to meet the challenges which lay ahead of us all.

If that was the case then the paper outlining the dismissal of Wally Stone should never have been written.

In the meantime, for those individuals who do feel obliged to continue to engage with the media either in person or behind the scenes, I urge you to carefully consider the consequences for Ngāi Tahu Whānui, your Papatipu Rūnanga and the reputation of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Do not threaten us. We will not cower in the shadows. We will continue to see this issue debated in the light of day. That way we know we are safe.

WATERLOO FOR SOLOMON?

Mark Solomon is facing what may be the most critical meeting of his tribal political career this weekend when steps up to his own people at Kaikoura. The meeting which is being held on Sunday is considered to be the most pivotal in the battle for control of the table is being fought by what has essentially become two factions within the tribe. Issues were bought to a head with the ousting of Wally Stone as Chair of Ngai Tahu Holdings some weeks ago.

We understand from sources throughout the tribe that the call for Solomon to step down are strengthening. While many are divided over the rights and wrongs of the issue of the ousting of Stone and the proposal of the House of Tahu, there is growing concern that for the sake of the future of the tribe that Solomon needs to step down and let a new leader take over to bring cohesion back to the governing body Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu Table.

We agree. The division at the Table does the tribe no favours.

Doing the right thing is often the hardest thing but for the future of the tribe it is time for those at the Table to do the right thing.

CREDIT WHERE CREDIT DUE

A wee birdy tells us that Mark Solomon raised the possibility that the banks are getting a bit touchy at the moment over the public controversy surrounding the tribes leadership ( or lack of it)at the Hui at Rehua Marae yesterday and at Kaikoura.

Ngai Tahu reputedly has a $200 million dollar credit facility ( note: credit)

Apparently Solomon suggested that all the raruraru ( arguing ) in the media was making the banks nervous.

Well for starters many companies are on notice from the banks - Credit is tight - full stop.
Secondly if they were worried it would not be because of what's in the papers or on the radio or TV or heaven forbid the Blogs. No, if they are in fact worried - it will be because they dont think that the current leadership is stable or horror of horrors maybe there some issues with financial performance or governance. We can only speculate.

But for Solomon to raise it as a big bogey is scaremongering at its worst and at best a limp attempt to make those who are opposing him feel guilty.

If the situation has got so bad that the financiers are reducing support for the tribe then, again we say that points to weak leadership.

Again we say that Solomon , for the sake of the tribe needs to step down.

And it is time for the Tau boys, Tahu Potiki and some of the other young Ngai Tahu businessmen and women to have a korero and develop a leadership plan to take Ngai Tahu into the future. It is time for them to put aside their egos ( and they all have them in spades) but put their wisdom and expertise forward.

The fate of the tribe is in their hands.

FINALLY - MAORI LEADERS SEE THE MOA IN THE WHARE

We have been harping on about the crap Maori leaders who do a lot of schmoozing and grooving but bugger all to guide their own people out of the poverty pit.

But two recent pronouncements have given us some hope. One , from Mark Solomon, sounds good and wise , but anything from Mark needs to be considered against the backdrop of his fragile leadership. It has the feel of an orchestrated PR campaign.

However, despite the motivation, it is fantastic that Ngai Tahu's big cheese is finally calling for the tribe to tackle domestic violence. Excellent. Now we expect him to follow with some more unpalatable truths, like too many of the tribe have gang affiliations and he needs to condemn them too. And that poverty is still a big issue.So a good start from Solomon. But now we have heard what he thinks we want to know what he is going to do .

Iif Solomon's admittance, that it was time for Maori to take ownership of the issues that Maori have been trying to blame on everyone else wasn't a big and happy surprise , it was a bigger andhappier surprise when Pita Sharples followed suit.

The story is in the Dom this morning and the headline "Put health before beaches says Sharples" - gives you the picture. We think that this speech is a turning point for the party. It is an acknowledgment of what really matters to the rank and file.

It shows that there are many more things that will change the destiny of Maori than some technical access and ownership to some land that is well used and cared for now.

"For many of my friends they dont even know whats going on with the foreshore and seabed......

But they know whats going on at home when they are hungry.

They know whats going on at home when then havent got jobs....

These are the sorts of things that our people are dealing with day to day and thats why I really would like us to think why we are in parliament.

There were a few good stories in the media this morning but none more important than Sharples telling the Maori Party Conference that the issues of health and crime were far more important to Maori than beaches.

It is the best thing that Sharples has said for a bloody long time. The grievances of old need to be sorted but in terms of priority, diabetes, domestic violence, infanticide, education and drugs merit more effort and attention.

Maori dont need to "own the beaches" to feel better or have a better life. But they do need to own the social problems they are facing collectively and individually.

As two of the more prominent Maori leaders have now put this issue on the the nations paepae

we think that the debate will gain some momentum. Whanau Ora could well be the start. Ad it begs the question - Is this the beginning of the true Maori renaissance?

TA TIPENE BACK AT THE TABLE BUT CHOKING ON HANOVER PIE?

There is a very good chance that Sir Tip is going to sitting round the big tribal Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu table again as the alternate delegate for the Awarua Runanga.

We are a bit gobsmacked that the southern cuzzies have not thought through the whole succession planning issue. Maria Pera has been at the table pretty much since the Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu was formed. However our understanding is that the Bluff runanga wanted some fresh meat and looked for a new face as an alternate delegate whom Maria could train up to take over. Instead they got some really old sinewy tough as an old boot over done mutton chop. However, despite Mark Solomon being Tipenes protege, they no longer share a deep affection for each other, so Tipene's occasional presence at the table wont do Mark any favours.

We also think that with todays announcement that Mark Hotchin of Hanover fame has had his assets frozen, that Tipene will be a little distracted. He was apparently the chair of the Hanover audit committee.

Watch that space.

AWARUA HUI - REPORT

This post is from one of the Ngai Tahu Wahine Toa who attended the Bluff Hui organised by the locals to get Mark Solomon to address some of their concerns.He first said he would visit any marae that asked for him to attend , then he backed off , then he agreed but only at a time when many of the whanau were at the muttonbird islands.

I didn’t hear a lot of anger apart from Anthony Fowler and a couple of terse responses directed by members of the audience against one of the fishers but I did hear a lot of distortions of truth, word games and outright fabrications from the member from Kaikoura, some very clear facts backed by documentation from Wally Stone, some sadness and disappointment from whānau members who had hoped, I think, to hear an admission from the Kaiwhakahaere that HE could have done better in his management of the NTHC / TRONT relationship.

Note from Editor BB : "We think that this still strikes to the heart of the matter. The amount of people who have worked for Te runanga O Ngai Tahu and been pushed out or sacked would have a listed company's shareholders baying for blood. As we have repeatedly said Solomon has been at the helm of an organisation that has been in turmoil for over a decade."

Instead they heard that Wally Stone was sacked because he did not supply ONE report even though the Kaiwhakahaere,Solomon, was present at the NTHC meeting and approved it, only to vote against it at the TRONT meeting. According to one of the involved fishers, it was also presented to TRONT in person by Colin Topi, Tahu Potiki and NTHC. The Kaiwhakahaere was apparently absent that day and TRONT was being chaired by the Deputy. Perhaps the Kaiwhakahaere didn’t read his papers or the minutes?

The meeting at Awarua ( Bluff) was orderly, well run and tikanga was observed at all times. The difference between the previous meetings and the Awarua meeting would appear to be that the mana remained with the ahi ka at all times. All who wished to speak were allowed to have a say but they were required to stick to the question of the moment rather than divert to other matters.

There was some "you said, I said" which was probably only to be expected but there was also some very pointed questions to the Kaiwhakahaere that he seemed unwilling or unable to answer in a direct fashion.

The meeting was well attended with the representatives from Oraka and Puketeraki present to support the Kaiwhakahaere while the Kaikoura whanau came to support the whanau from Awarua. However of the approximately 140 people present, about 120 were Awarua whanau, a very good result and well on a par with Rehua and Kaikoura.

TAU STUBS OUT CHANCE OF EARLY DEAL ON FORESHORE AND SEABEDBED

The Kumara vine has been pulsing this  afternoon. Our Maori sources say that a very recent meeting between Iwi and the Prime Minister John Key came perilously close to reaching a conclusion on the Foreshore and Seabed issue.

Apparently it was all good to go until Sonny Tau backed by Mark Solomon presented a set of demands that derailed the deal.  Now, while most Maori see the repeal of the Foreshore and Seabed Act as paving  they way for them to make claims for customary title, there is concern that some tribes ( put Ngai Tahu at the top of the list ) are more interested in using the negotiations to leverage mineral rights.

So the primary issue about Tikanga ( traditional ways)  -  is playing second fiddle to greed.  Principles are the first casualty.

Meanwhile, our Ngai Tahu sources say that Dr Gail Tipa's appointment to Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu board  on behalf of Moeraki means that Solomons support is further eroded. While she does not play personality politics she wont stand for any silliness either. Solomon - is still valiantly trying to hold off the day when his runaka get the chance to vote on his fate.

The rest of the iwi throughout the country  and a fair stack of  Ngai Tahu reckon that the sooner Solomon's reign is brought to an end the better for the tribe and indeed all Maori.

DEMAND FOR MEETING WITH SOLOMON FORCES CHANGE OF VENUE

We reported a week or so ago, that we thought Mark Solomon showed a degree of arrogance by calling meeting with the tribe in the tribal headquarters boardroom to discuss the growing concerns about governance. Issues that came to a head with the ousting of Wally Stone as chair of the iwi's commercial holding company Ngai Tahu Holdings.

That has changed. the meeting, because of demand and outrage over the venue has now been shifted to Rehua Marae at 2pm on Friday the 20th of March.

However, while Solomon will be attending this meeting in work time, by scheduling it on a Friday he is forcing many of his people to have to take a day off work.

So we feel yet again that this decision shows a degree of arrogance not becoming a leader.

We are also expecting that the main stream media will be canvassing a few issues over the next couple of days . We will keep you posted.

SHARPLES HAS GOT THIS ONE WRONG

Sorry but what business experience has Solomon got? Why do we keep trotting out the same tired old boars who have been drinking at the tribal troughs for a decade ?

There are dozens of successful Ngai Tahu business people who should be on this taskforce before Solomon. And Tamihere's inclusion on this is just a bloody insult to every good moral person in in this country - Now why did he get not get re- elected again? Fiscal Prudence is not one of Tamihere's strong suits.

Sorry but we reckon the Maori Party had a chance to put some fresh blood on this Taskforce - instead the roll out the same tired old faces who have to sit along side a few people who have cut the mustard.

No more cuzzy bro favouritism please!

We didn't expect this sort of crap from the Maori Party and we hope it is not a portent of a continual roll out of the same passengers on the same old brown gravy train.

The Minister of Maori Affairs, Dr Pita Sharples, has asked seven iwi and
business leaders to head a Taskforce on how Maori can avoid the worst impacts of
the recession, and strengthen the Maori economy in the longer term.
"I am
very pleased to announce the appointment of Mark Solomon, Ngahiwi Tomoana,
Bentham Ohia, Daphne Luke, John Tamihere, June McCabe and Rob McLeod to lead
this work for two years," said Dr Sharples.
"These seven movers and shakers
in Maoridom have particular expertise in tribal asset development, the primary
sector, education and training, small to medium enterprises, social and
community development, investment and enterprise, and economic growth and
infrastructure," he said.
"Together they make up a balanced team with wide
networks and diverse interests, and they have the knowledge and experience to
deliver results in the face of the huge economic challenges facing our nation.
The key to our success is co-operation, and this team can achieve that for
sure.
"The Taskforce will follow through on the ideas that emerged at the
Maori economic workshop I called in January. I have set aside $4.5 million per
annum for the Taskforce to work with. At the same time the Taskforce will lead
rapid responses to the outcomes of Prime Minister's jobs summit.
"The PM's
Jobs Summit emphasised interdepartmental co-operation, and this task force is
expecting to follow that approach as well. Some projects may be taken up by
other agencies with Maori clients," said Dr Sharples.
"The task force will be
backed by a small secretariat in Te Puni Kokiri, with a private secretary right
in my office. Members will be expected to maintain their own networks to gather
information and co-ordinate responses from flax roots and iwi organisations
around the country," he said.

Rangi wept.

UPDATE FROM REHUA MEETING FROM SOLOMON

Here is the latest report from Solomon. We would like to hear the views of others who attended.



Message to Ngai Tahu Whanui 20090321

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