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.

TAHU POTIKI AT THE NGAI TAHU TABLE

We were delighted to hear today that former Ngai Tahu CE Tahu Potiki is to represent Otakau at The Table , the tribes ruling council.

Tahu is an abrasive, arrogant big shit but he does have a good head on his shoulders and the will to see the tribe head in a better direction. He will need to marshall all his best qualities to help turn the ruling council into the governing body the iwi needs to take advantage of its unique position in the South Island economy.

Tahu is set to play an important role in bringing some cohesiveness and good governance to the tribe.
We are hoping for a few more new more representatives to take their places at what will be a pivotal time in the tribes development. This is not a job for one alone. It will require all representatives to work together..

We need leaders who will start the tribe looking forward, not back and bear no grudges, people who will stand the iwi on its collective feet and stop relying on government hand outs to fill the tribal coffers.

We need our leaders to work across Maoridom to give us the economies of scale to take advantage of the opportunities that are on offer.

We want the tribes economic performance based on real asset growth and not on the amount of money it has wheedled out of the government.

We need leaders who give us the real warts and all version of what is happening with our collective business to give us a level of comfort and trust.

We all know that mistakes will be made but we want leaders to tell it like it is.

We, above all, want leaders who make us proud to be Ngai Tahu.

NGAI TAHU STRUGGLES TO HOLD GOOD STAFF

Another one bites the dust.

In ten years, under the barren leadership of Mark Solomon , Ngai Tahu has had seven Ngai Tahu Holding Corp chairs. Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu has had 3 CEO's and Ngai Tahu Holding Corporation has had three CEO's.

Other iwi are laughing fit to kill as Ngai Tahu picks good people but they dont last the distance so they are quickly picked up by other tribes.

And we have also heard that there is considerable concern among some key iwi about the lack of relationship skills withing the top ranks of Ngai Tahu. There are heaps of opportunities out there for iwi but it requires them to work with other iwi to get the economies of scale needed to capitalise on the deals on offer. One described Ngai Tahu's attidude as " bare faced arrogance."
Another suggested to Roarprawn that the tribe was fast losing mana due to their lack of willingness to forge business relationships.
For Ngai Tahu to succeed it needs to ensure that people who are good at building relationships and have sound financial acumen are sitting around the top table and commanding the boardroom. Never before have the tribal elections been so important to our people. They need to reflect on the fragmented leadership of the past, look to new blood and put aside the deep rooted inter family differences.

Our future depends on it.

Kia ora anō tātou

It is with regret that I announce that Richard Coleman has resigned from his position as Chief Executive Ngāi Tahu Seafood (Acting).
Richard has a long history working for Ngāi Tahu. In January 1995 he was appointed as Accountant / Operations Manager for the joint venture, Ngāi Tahu Pacific Fisheries. When the JV was wound up in 1997, Richard joined Ngāi Tahu Seafood and in September 2005, he moved to Ngāi Tahu Holdings as Investment Manager.
Since June 2008, Richard has been Acting Chief Executive of Ngāi Tahu Seafood and brought his usual exceptional passion and commitment to that role. He has led a range of diverse and challenging initiatives with very pleasing outcomes for the business including a revised strategic direction; a new wetfish business model; a supply chain review resulting in recognition as a premium lobster supplier to the export markets; acceptance into the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Beachheads programme; comprehensive systems to manage compliance and H&S risks; and a succession plan in the Bluff lobster fishery allowing young Ngāi Tahu fishers the opportunity to build successful businesses and become the next generation of experienced lobster fishers.
In addition to these achievements and of particular note is that NTS (in tough economic times) recorded its highest trading EBIT, since its inception, in the 2008-09 financial year under Richard's leadership.
Richard's strong leadership and hard work over the past 15 months sees us very well positioned for financial success, wealth creation and growth as we embark on the next exciting stage in the development of the Ngāi Tahu Seafood business.
I'd like to acknowledge Richard's significant contribution to Ngāi Tahu over the last 15 years and wish him, his wife Kate and his three children, all the very best in their next adventure. Richard has always been held in high respect by anyone who has worked with him and he will be hugely missed by all. His last day of work will be 31 January 2010 and closer to that date we will announce details of his poroporoaki.

Trevor Burt
Chair
Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation

NGAI TAHU TO LOSE MORE TOP PEOPLE?

Apparently. They are following Wally Stone and Andrew Harrision out the door. We are bleeding financial expertise at a time when we need it most.

NGAI TAHU WAHINE ON ACC BOARD

Jane Huria , a long time member of Ngai Tahu Holdings has been appointed to the Board of ACC.

Story here at NBR

TENSIONS OVER NGAI TAHU OFFICIALS CONTINUE

We posted this yesterday . It was sent out by Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu ( TRONT) to all Runanga by CE Angus Goodall . It was about that fact that the Rapaki runanga( Ngati Wheke) no longer considered deputy chairman( kaiwhakhaere) of Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu as their representative.

There has been a number of questions directed to the Office recently with
respect to the position of Donald Couch, the Deputy Kaiwhakahaere. There
has also been speculation in the media that Donald had been removed as the
Representative for Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke. Being mindful of the legal
obligations and the potential legal liabilities associated with this matter, we
are currently in the process of taking formal advice. Until that
advice is received and a decision upon it can be made, Te Rūnanga's secretariat
is of the view that Donald Couch remains the Representative for Te Hapū o Ngāti
Wheke and that he also continues to hold the role of Deputy Kaiwhakahaere. This
is consistent with the position that Te Rūnanga has taken in the past in similar
situations. Noho ora mai.

Today we received three copies of this letter that Rapaki sent to Te Runanga O Ngai Tahu CE Angus Goodall.

Tutehounuku Korako

Anake, tena ra koe,

Ko tenei te reo poroaki ki a ratou kua whetu rakitia, ratou nga kahuiwhetu i te raki, eokie koutou e. Ratou te hunga wairua kia ratou, tatou nga urupa kanohi o ratou ma ki a tatou, nei nga mihi.

Firstly, we note your response to all of Ngai Tahu Whanui regarding the removal of Donald Couch as the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu (TRONT) Representative from Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga and we are concerned that such a memo was sent when there had been no direct communication from you, or the Office, with the Chair of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga. We believe this is remarkably disrespectful and politically motivated.

Secondly, Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga is in no doubt who now represents our Runanga at TRONT. Donald Couch’s term as Representative expired some time ago and, although he remained in that position, it was at the discretion Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga. On March 1 at the General Runanga Meeting at Te Wheke Marae, Rapaki, Donald Couch resigned from his position as Chair and was removed as our TRONT Representative. As per the Charter of TRONT we have notified TRONT that our Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga Representative, Donald Couch, has ceased to hold office.

We are not aware of any provision that would allow the Office of TRONT to not recognise the receipt of that notice and the acceptance of Donald Couch’s removal. It is our view that it is incumbent upon TRONT to recognise the tino rangatiratanga of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga and any legal advice or challenge regarding his removal is a Papatipu Runanga matter and will be dealt with accordingly at that level.

As Donald Couch is no longer our Representative then, as per the Charter, the Alternate Representative, Kopa Lee, now becomes the Representative and he will be attending all future TRONT meetings as the Representative for Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga.

We also note that the TRONT Representatives for Moeraki, Waihao, Taumutu and Tuahiwi have all been appointed to TRONT in a similar fashion with full acceptance by TRONT.

It is the intention of Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga to hold a properly constituted election as soon as possible.

Heoi ano

Tutehounuku Korako

Chairman

Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke (Rapaki) Runanga

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.

TE RUNANGA O NGAI TAHU APPEALS TO IWI

THIS HAS BEEN FORWARD TO US - WE THINK THAT IN THE INTERESTS OF GOOD DEBATE IT IS RIGHT AND PROPER THAT WE TABLE THIS. iT HAS BEEN SENT TO ALL RUNANGA

Advice to TRoNT Representatives on Confidentiality Issues

The Kaiwhakahaere is aware that there are a number of Papatipu Rūnanga who are holding meetings this weekend and that many of you will face questions on the matters which have been in the media over the last two weeks and on other issues of significance to Ngāi Tahu Whānui.

It is important that the Representatives and the rūnanga members are able to discuss as openly as possible the matters of importance to them. However, it is also important to be mindful of the Representatives' legal obligations as trustees and Representatives not to disclose information which will ultimately be harmful to Ngāi Tahu Whānui and / or innocent third parties.

The Kaiwhakahaere has asked the Office to prepare an overview of the issues you should be aware of with respect to your responsibilities as Representatives and trustees with regard to confidential information. More importantly, to provide some guidance as to how you might respond to some of the questions that will be raised, but not to be in breach of these duties.

This advice is set out below.

Confidentiality

Te Rūnanga Representatives must remain aware of their fundamental duties to act in the best interest of Ngāi Tahu Whānui as a whole and of their responsibilities as kaitiaki and trustees of the interests and assets of the tribe.

It is accepted that within an iwi context our people are interested in almost all matters which may come before Te Rūnanga. The policy of Te Rūnanga is to be open and transparent about as many things as we can be. Information should not be withheld just because it may cause some minor reputational harm to Te Rūnanga or the Te Rūnanga Group.

However, there are matters which should, and indeed must, be discussed in confidence. Even for those matters, it is the policy of Te Rūnanga to release the outcomes of all decisions made "in committee" unless there is a good reason for them to remain confidential.

Where information is to remain confidential it is because the information contains matters which may create legal and or commercial risks to the Te Rūnanga Group if made public. The release of such information can have negative impact on individuals. It may also place at risk our commercial operations. It is important to note that for the most part information which is confidential to the Te Rūnanga Group is appropriately managed.

The issues of confidentiality within the Te Rūnanga Group are shared by many other organisations, be they iwi organisations, local government or companies. However, if there is a constant risk that confidential matters may be politicised or publicised then eventually there will be a reluctance for people to enter into commercial or other arrangements with any entity within the Te Rūnanga Group including NTHC. It is also possible that the inappropriate disclosure of confidential information will result in actual financial losses which may in turn give rise to legal proceedings against Te Rūnanga, NTHC and / or the individuals who disclosed the information.

What things can Representatives discuss with Rūnanga?

It is okay to talk about all matters which are not confidential. In respect of most of the confidential matters which have now been disclosed to the media it is okay to talk in general terms about most of the issues that have been raised and the background to those issues provided this is done responsibly and carefully.

This is because in circumstances where the issues are already in the public arena the "cloak of confidentiality" has been lifted to a certain extent. However, Representatives should still take care not to -

• identify what the whakaaro was of other Representatives (without their permission);
• refer to matters not already in the public arena; and
• make adverse statements about employees within the Te Rūnanga Group or NTHC Board members.

Representatives should also try to give an objective view of the issues raised so that the whānui get a sense of the range of things which Te Rūnanga may have considered before making a decision.

House of Tahu

It is clear that much of the detail of the preliminary decision of Te Rūnanga with respect to the House of Tahu has been leaked to the media. Therefore, it is appropriate for Rūnanga Representatives to respond to the media reports and to provide some context for the decision which was taken.

For instance it could be noted that Te Rūnanga -

• has made no final decision on the House of Tahu;
• has simply agreed in principle to proceed with a project to build the House of Tahu, which comprises a commercial office building and a cultural centre;
• has asked for some information from NTHC and NTP so that the design and business case can be finalised;
• has asked for information from NTHC on financial implications (given the economic climate); and
• will not be making a final decision until this information has been received.

If after receiving this information Te Rūnanga does agree to proceed with the House of Tahu project -

• the project would probably proceed in stages;
• the initial outlay to keep the project progressing is modest; and
• the actual construction of the buildings will not start until Te Rūnanga can afford to pay for it and the financial outlook has shown considerable improvement.

The media has not reported on the context or the benefits to Te Rūnanga and to Ngāi Tahu Whānui of the House of Tahu project. As these are not matters which are confidential Representatives are free to discuss those issues.

Salaries

Information claiming to relate to the salaries of the Kaiwhakahaere and Deputy Kaiwhakahaere has appeared in the media. Mark has since made his base salary of $155,000 p.a. public. Rūnanga Representatives may wish to comment on the way in which these figures are set and the usual reporting of salaries within the Te Rūnanga Group.

It could be noted that the figures quoted in the media did not relate to the salaries of the Kaiwhakahaere and Deputy Kaiwhakahaere at all. The actual figures are reported on a quarterly basis to Te Rūnanga and so each of the Representatives has access to those figures. Te Rūnanga publishes the salary bands and numbers of persons receiving those salaries in the Annual Report.

The remuneration for the Kaiwhakahaere, Deputy Kaiwhakahaere and CEO of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is set by the Contracts Review Committee. This committee is Chaired by an independent employment consultant and has four Te Rūnanga Representatives on the Committee. The Te Rūnanga Audit and Risk Committee Chairperson also reviews the terms and remuneration of contractors engaged by the Office and provides summary reports to Te Rūnanga.

Appointment of interim Chair NTHC

There were a number of media articles which speculated on the reason that Wally Stone was replaced as the Chair of NTHC and removed from the Board. There has also been a statement by the Kaiwhakahaere as to the reasons for the decision. As these matters are in the public arena Representatives may discuss these and related matters.

These media articles included claims that the decision of Te Rūnanga was based on -

• personality politics between Mark Solomon and Wally Stone;
• issues over the House of Tahu;
• internal tensions between Te Rūnanga and NTHC; and
• the need to keep the management of the businesses of Te Rūnanga separated from the governance.

In addition, the Kaiwhakahaere released a statement to all Papatipu Rūnanga, Representatives and Alternates on the decision. The core part of that statement is set out below -

Over the past 12 months Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu has been conducting a governance review to ensure accountability from all its entities and tighter integration between them. The review has highlighted on-going concerns with the level of responsiveness of Holdings, particularly in regard to key initiatives/projects initiated by Te Rūnanga. At a meeting on 22 February, Te Rūnanga appointed Linda Constable as interim chair of the Holdings board. It was the expressed view of Te Runanga that the time had arrived for a new set of skills to take the Holdings board forward with greater levels of accountability. Linda Constable will complete the governance review work and begin the implementation phase.

The media was also made privy to, and published excerpts from, an internal and confidential document written some four months ago by a Senior Manager. The document contained some thoughts on aspects of the relationship between NTHC and Te Rūnanga. While it is now in the public arena the release of the contents of the memorandum has caused considerable distress to employees within the Te Rūnanga Group and to their families. As the e-mail from the Kaiwhakahaere dated 25^th February stated "the release of that document into the public arena can not be condoned at any level" and therefore the details of the document should not be discussed with the Whānui to avoid any further distress to those individuals.

However, you may wish to discuss with your whānau when you first became aware of the document and the circumstances in which that occurred.

Governance Review

Te Rūnanga is in the process of ensuring that all of the entities within the Group take up the challenges and the responsibilities as they are set out in the Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Act 1996 and our Charter. Many aspects of the review are now completed and it is appropriate to discuss these matters with the Whānui.

For approximately 18 months Te Rūnanga has carefully worked through a process of reviewing some of our internal governance arrangements to address some internal governance issues. In the main, these related to Te Rūnanga taking up its responsibilities as trustee of the Ngāi Tahu Charitable Trust. While some matters were related to the role of NTHC, Te Rūnanga has also be working to improve its own processes with a goal of providing clarity of direction and focus for all of the entities.

In that time Te Rūnanga has -

• established Group wide policies for appointments to Boards that ensure the process is open and transparent;
• established monitoring protocols to aid accountability and reporting processes;
• established an investment advisory sub-committee to provide external advice to Te Rūnanga on intergenerational investment strategies;
• placed two Representatives from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu on the Board of NTHC, primarily to improve information flows and the relationship between Te Rūnanga and the NTHC Board;
• instituted a new approach to planning in which it is Te Rūnanga, not our subsidiaries or the Office, who sets the agenda for the year; and
• appointed Linda Constable as interim Chair of NTHC to complete this aspect of a governance review.

The final stages of the governance review process are underway. When completed Te Rūnanga expects that the roles of NTHC, the Office and Te Rūnanga itself will once again be aligned with the Charter.

Nāhaku noa, nā

Anake Goodall

Chief Executive Officer

SOLOMON SHOULD GO TO THE PEOPLE

I think that this comment deserves its own post. It puts into perspective the feelings and dismay of many Ngai Tahu who think that Solomon has lost touch with the Ngai Tahu Whanui.

It was good to see you address the Kaiwhakahaere's latest piece of arrogance. His assumption that we are all able to be in Christchurch at 2pm on a working day is impertinent in the extreme.

For anyone south of the Waitaki, this time would mean either driving all night or going up the night before. Is the Kaiwhakahaere going to pay for travel and accommodation for all those who accept his invitation? I doubt it.

This decision, along with his support for the House of Tahu and his role in the removal of Wally Stone from NTHC are very clear indicators of how removed he is from the lives of the majority of those at the flaxroots. We don't have travel and accommodation paid for by the iwi. It isn't our job to attend meetings all day and get paid handsomely. We have to go to work at our minimum wage jobs to keep our children fed and clothed. We work for our marae and rūnanga at our own expense and when we travel, it is usually by car or van, no flights and rental cars, Koru Club and hotels for us.

It is time the Kaiwhakahaere and some of his supporters remember for whom they are working: Mo tātou, a, mo kā uri i muri ake nei; they work for the generations who went before, those who are alive now and those still to come, NOT for themselves alone.

SOLOMON SPEAKS WITH FORKED TONGUE

When the internecine battles broke out after the ousting of Wally Stone as chair of Ngai Tahu's Commercial arm, Ngai TAhu Holdings, Solomon told his tribe that was willing to go to meet with each runanga at each marae ( 18 of them) and face to face kanohi ki te kanohi as we say
So it was with much surprise that some of the runaka got the following invite from Solomon:

I would also like to invite you to an open hui that I, as Kaiwhakahaere am calling, to give Ngāi Tahu Whānui an opportunity to discuss the current matters ahead of the Te Rūnanga meeting that starts the following day. The meeting details are:

Taumata Kōrero

Date: Friday 20^th March 2009

Venue: Ground Floor Boardroom, Te Waipounamu House, Christchurch

Start Time: 2pm

To support the kōrero that I know will occur this weekend, and because I cannot be at all 16 hui, I have asked all Te Rūnanga Representatives to read a short statement from me as Kaiwhakahaere at each of the hui.

Many of the Runanga are understandably affronted.

This is an excerpt from one Runanga who wanted to see their tribal leader front at their place. After all its cheaper for one to travel that the representatives of 18 runanga to travel to Christchurch.

You are completely correct, the marae is the place to discuss such issues. It is also appropriate as a leader, and as a person who respects tikanga to respond to an invitation, and to hold true to messages you continue to communicate widely to te iwi whanui.

By conducting such a hui at Te Waipounamu House, you effectively marginalise those papatipu runanga and Ngai Tahu whanui from outside the Otautahi rohe. Are you therefore assuming that the majority of Ngai Tahu whanui live in Christchurch or that those who live outside, have the putea to travel to such a hui?

We agree with them - it is a great show of arrogance yet again by Solomon. It makes him look like he only feels safe on his own turf. We await reports of the Korero around the rohe in the next few days.

PRESS SAYS SOLOMONS FUTURE SHAKY

We agree. The Press Story canvases the same issues that we revealed here and here.

However it is Solomons reaction to the media we found interesting. Here's the reaction the Press got:

Approached about the increase last week Solomon said: "Did I [get it]? How come they didn't tell me about it. I'm not going to talk to you about that man. It's rubbish. How dare you. Get off the line. Goodbye."

He treated them like shit, he treated his own whanau like shit and he treated Wally Stone like shit. Wow - he reminds me of that other politician well known for his integrity, humility and wisdom - Winston Peters

Today Ngai Tahu is in Wellington to celebrate 10 years since the settlement. They will meet the government - we wonder if the Kaiwhakahaere is more measured in his responses to the press gallery he will undoubtedly face this evening.

They need to ask a couple of questions - Why wont he resign?
Why did he give himself a pay increase in the middle of a recession?

When he goes two things must happen. There needs to be an independent audit over governance issues. The iwi will not move forward until it can trust again in those at the "Table"

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 IS ANGRY

We understand that Te runanga O Ngai Tahu chair Mark Solomon's Deputy Donald Couch has been removed by his runanga at Rapaki - Lyttleton . More Solomon supporters are expected to face the wrath of their constituents in the coming days and weeks.

And we hear that Maori Television is also covering the story in depth either tonight or tomorrow night.

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.

NGAI TAHU SKITE FEST

Chris Finlayson
Bill English
and Pita Sharples will all be in attendance at Ngai Tahu's skite fest at Parliament of March 3rd .

MORE DISSATISFACTION FROM NGAI TAHU IWI

We have had a steady stream of emails and phone calls re the conflicts within Ngai Tahu.

This is a email from one eloquent Ngai Tahu Beneficiary

How many more times is there going to be conflict at Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu where all the blame for everything is placed on 'the few' when the one common denominator is the Kaiwhakahaere?

There was conflict with the previous CEO, conflict with Dr Te Maire Tau, dissatisfaction with his performance by a number of the elected representatives over several years. The one constant: Mark Solomon.

He speaks often about being a servant of the people but he is enjoying a lifestyle beyond the imagination of most of the iwi.

He is one of 18 charged with the prudent management of our Post Settlement Assets, yet he has had Wally Stone peremptorily dismissed after Wally stepped up to the plate to revitalise Ngāi Tahu Holding Corp post Dr Pratt's departure. Mr Solomon played a role in that debacle too.

Much has been achieved under Mr Stone's humble yet steadying influence, not only in the financial affairs but also in the way NTHC interact with the owners, the iwi.

Perhaps Mr Stone's biggest sin is how well regarded he is by the people. Possibly Mr Solomon perceives him as a threat. If so, perhaps Kaikoura should consider which of their 'sons' is better equipped to represent them at the table of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

I know who would get my vote.

Te Ao Hikuraki

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.