Report

NZCTU National Hui for Maori Organisers and Maori Delegates

15-17 October 2005, Tapu Teranga Marae, Wellington

 

 

Several unions were represented at this hui including NZNO, SFWU, NDU, PSA, RMTU, NZMWU, and NZEI.  The hui was co-facilitated by Thomas Webster, health and safety co-coordinator for CTU and NZNO’s Policy Analyst, Sharon Clair.

 

Sharon Clair, CTU Vice President, Maori elect, delivered a visionary, inspirational speech outlining a number of opportunities and challenges for the forth-coming period. Clair spoke of the ‘High Road Approach’ which focuses on high wages, high skill, high quality and high productivity.

 

Clair also spoke on ‘Make Poverty History’ campaign which focuses on four policy platforms; trade justice, 0.7% of GDP to overseas aid, righting of debt of developing countries, and ending child poverty in New Zealand.  A full transcript of Clair’s speech will be available on the NZNO website at a later date.

 

Charles Royal of Mauriora Ki Te Ao, presented a paper on “Life and Work through the Waka & Whare models.”  His presentation focused on Maori Creative Potential and looked at life’s journey through these models.  The presentation then looked at organising and workplace productivity from a kaupapa Maori context. Royal has been engaged in the development of the H.A.N.G.I. project and will support Clair and Webster in the pilot program.

 

Several workshops were held throughout the hui and explored topics on developing a framework for Maori organising; what productivity means to Maori; and building relationships with political parties. A presentation was made by Matua Huirang addressing the Memorandum of Understanding and its implication to Maori kaupapa. Feedback from these workshops is being developed into resource material for the H.A.N.G.I. project.  A full report of these workshops is being developed and will be made available at a later date.

 

The H.A.N.G.I. project; Helping Advance Nga Kai Mahi through Growth and Innovation was presented by Clair and Webster and will be piloted in 4 key industries over the next 8 months. The project is geared to assist Maori on the journey of the ‘High Road Approach' as part of our contribution in assisting New Zealand achieve its goal of a export lead, high wage, high skilled, high quality economy.

 

The hui ended on a positive note with a number of delegates attending the bi-annual CTU conference.  Te Runanga was represented at this 3 day conference by Brenda Close and Rhoda Waitere.

 

 

Naku noa nga

Ko Sharon Morunga

Combined Trade Unions NZNO Te Runanga Representative.