December 01, 2015
Tribe opts for streamlined parliament
Waikato Tainui has approved a plan to shrink its tribal parliament Te Kauhanganui.
Parliament chair Maxine Moana-Tuwhangai says the two-year review process had been robust and comprehensive.
She says the new rules will be rolled out over the next six months.
Each of Waikato Tainui's 68 marae will in future appoint two rather than three representatives to Te Kauhanganui, with one alternate member per marae to cover absences.
The executive Te Arataura remains at 11 members, with the parliament rejecting a proposal to add two at-large independent members.
Rules have been changed to clarify the respective roles and authority of the parliament and executive, which in the past has causes tension and even court battles.
A new office of the chief executive will be established, reporting to Te Arataura.
There will also be a new a tikanga-based process, Hohou Te Rongo, for responding to internal governance issues and disputes.
The review team recommended all tribal entities be reviewed to determine if they are fit for purpose.
It is still considering whether the name of Te Kauhanganui should remain.
Nanaia Mahuta, the co-chair of the governance & representation review sponsor group, says the adoption by Te Kauhanganui of the rule changes shows a strong preference to learn from the challenges of the past and lift the ambition of the tribe to achieve its development priorities.
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