January 23, 2017
New direction to Te Putea Whakatupu
The chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana expects the new directors of Te Putea Whakatupu to start with reviewing the trust's past and future activities.
Urban Maori advocates Willie Jackson from Manukau Urban Maori Authority and Norm Dewes from Te Runanga o Nga Maata Waka, as well as lawyer Willie Te Aho who also has worked with urban Maori, were appointed after a court battle over interpretation of the trust deed.
Jamie Tuuta says now the court has ruled preference should go to Maori living in urban centres who don't get support from their iwi, the trust has clearer guidlnes to work within.
Ttrust's putea, which started with $20 million set aside from the Maori fisheries settlement, has grown to $26 million.
"$26 million in today's terms is not a lot of money when looking at the role and function of the trust but we are pleased we have managed to grow the putea, and with three new directors coming on to manage the trust, they will have the opportunity to look at where they distribute and what activities they undertake," he says.
Mr Tuuta expects the trust to generate about $500,000 a year to distribute in scholarships and other activities.
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