MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust on 14/12/2013 at
Ohako Marae, Manutuke
Attendance:Lewis Moeau, Ronald Nepe, Moera Brown, David Jones, George Brown, Lisa Taylor,
Blair Waipara, Stan Pardoe, Fred Maynard, Sammy-Jo Matete, Erena Nepe, Nellie Hokianga, Phil &
Tina Karaitiana, Manawa Waipara, Jody Wyllie, Annie Brown, Judith Ngarangione, Raiha Moetara,
Carol Morgan, Conrad Platten, Tutekawa Wyllie, Anzac Taiapa, Jacqueline Jones-Turipa, Erin Jones,
Doug Jones, Jack Spring, Colleen Hawkins, Lena Riki, Richard Broughton, Keriana Pohatu Nepe,
Libby Nikora, Sandy Whaitiri, Kath Whaitiri, Jim Whaitiri, Nellie Brooking, Te Aturangi Clamp, Kathy
Pohatu, Matu Pardoe.
Karakia: Boy Waipara (10:52am)
Mihimihi: Lewis Moeau
Apologies:Tapunga Nepe, Steve Ria, Waka Taylor, Romia Whaanga, Margie Nepe, Te Ao Baker,
Riria Tansey, Robyn Rauna, Dreena Hawea, Kay Robin Tui Faye, Hope Tupara, Jo Flavell, Dawn
Brooking, Gail Campbell, George Ria, Hori Hokianga, Layne Harvey, Teina Moetara, Willie Te Aho,
Miria Pomana.
Resolutions:
That the apologies be accepted.
Moved:
Seconded:
Erena Nepe.
Lewis Moeau.
Carried
Minutes of the previous AGM:
The minutes of the 2012 annual general meeting were accepted as a true and correct record of what
transpired at the last AGM. [With date and venue amendments made by Lewis Moeau].
Resolution:
That the minutes of the 2012 AGM were accepted as a true and correct record.
Moved:
Stan Pardoe.
Seconded:
Jackie Jones-Turipa
Carried.
Chairpersons Report:
Resolution:
The Chairperson’s report was read, discussed and accepted.
Moved:
Te Aturangi Clamp.
Seconded:
Tina Karaitiana.
Carried
Financial Report / Appointment of an Auditor:
Ronald Nepe presented the annual appointment of auditor. (Financial statements for the year ended
30th June 2013) and were accepted
Rongowhakaata Consolidated made an advance of $100K this year but has also had its charitable
status reversed due to restructuring and review processes of the charities organisation.
Rongowhakaata Settlement Trust transferred $7mil on loan to Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust with $800K
of that sum being gifted.
Good position in 2013 was held by R.S.T to make way for growth in 2014 through cash, money
market, conservative holdings and fixed term interests.
Resolution:
That the financial accounts for the period ended 30 June 2014 be adopted.
Moved:
Tina Karaitiana
Seconded: Nelly Brooking
Carried
Turanga Group Leasing / Turanga Group Holdings Limited:
Tama Brown gave feedback on the current properties we own and intend on purchasing or lease and
or invest in. The Gisborne Courthouse and lands (3000 square metres) was purchased at $1.1mil
with a 5year rent review for a term of 4x 10 years. Cornerstone investment of $73K per ann (6.1% of
the land value)
All crown properties were leased to Turanga Leasing Limited in a 50%-50% partnership with Mahaki.
Resolution:
That the Turanga Group Leasing/Turanga Group Holdings report be adopted:
Moved:
Tina Karaitiana
Seconded:
Libby Nikora
Carried
Te Hau Ki Turanga Trust:
Jody Wyllie presented the feasibility report he has been working on with the Ministry of Culture &
Heritage and Te Papa in Wellington. A written copy of a (MOU) has been requested by Minister
Finlayson regarding T.H.K.T.T.
The decision to whether or not to bring the whare (Te Hau Ki Turanga) home will be decided by the e
Iwi. It was questioned and discussed that the conservation / restoration plans in regards to Te Hau be
made available to the public to assist Iwi members in their vote decision making. (The
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trustees will view the plan before distributing it out to the wider Iwi.)
The possibility of holding Wananga to inform the Iwi on korero regarding the “Going’s on of Te Hau”
are on the agenda for 2014 along with korero of setting up an exhibition for display at Te Papa.
Tutekawa Wylie gave a briefing on T.H.K.T in regards to the lands in mind for a suitable site where Te
Hau will stand if it is to be returned home. A Hui was held between Iwi and Kiwi Rail and discussions
covered 3 main factors;
Kiwi Rail are prepared to begin discussions and negotiations for the sale of land (WHOLE site) to
Rongowhakaata Iwi.
To get Gisborne Vintage Rail (who are tenants on the land) involved in discussions/negotiations.
To reach an agreement on price for the land, subject to land valuation.
It was also brought to the attention of T.H.K.T.T by Robyn Rauna that there may be some concerns
regarding ownership issues on these lands that need be addressed.
Resolution:
That the Te Hau Ki Turanga report be adopted.
Moved:
Jimmy Whaitiri
Seconded:
Jackie Jones-Turipa.
Carried
Rongowhakaata Iwi Asset Holding Company
Rongowhakaata Iwi Asset Holding Company- Investment committee are in the process of re-calling
the FULL sum of $450K (Total amount of the initial loan) on a call back loan which was lodged in
partnership between R.I.A.H C and Makaraka Downs Estate Limited. Ronald Nepe resigned from the
chair position of the R.I.A.H C board (13/12/2013).
Reweti Waikari acquired a loan to assist with his Fishing business. Rather than make the repayment
this year (2013) it was suggested he get his Coastal Masters ticket, and will now pay the loan in full
plus interest next year (2014).
Resolution:
That the Rongowhakaata Iwi Asset Holding Company Report be
adopted
Moved:
Matu Pardoe
Seconded:
Tina Karaitiana
Carried.
Community Development:
A sum of $300K is allocated per year to provide financial support to the community e.g.; marae
grants, marae insurance, education grants and scholarships, kapa haka etc. With the incorporation of
the 4 pou (Cultural, Environmental, Economic, Social) used in the strategic plan a few allocations
have been made for Marae, Kahui Kaumatua and education.
In due time an employment position is to be set up for a paid funding officer.
Education scholarships to be setup in 2014 Open date 31st January 2014 closing date 28th March
2014.
$60K = Marae insurance
$5K = Marae grants
$1K x20 = Education scholarships (Undergraduate Tertiary Study)
$5K = Education scholarship (Postgraduate, Masters, PHD Study)
$30K = Kahui Kaumatua
(Question put forward regarding when this year’s (2013) Marae grants were to be paid? It was noted
that they would be by the end of the year).
Resolution:
That the Community Development Report be adopted
Moved:
Matu Pardoe
Seconded:
Tina Karaitiana
Carried.
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (other entities):
A review of the TROTAK structure is underway with two directional questions in place.
Who are the beneficiaries?
What is our purpose?
The Runanga is there to assist the Iwi with social development aspects, education, MSD services,
contracts, appointment process of all entities, providing permits, maintaining quality of water / land
environment wellbeing.
Jackie Jones-Turipa resigned from issuing seafood collection permits. These however can still be
obtained from Stan Pardoe. (TROTAK has made this service available since 1990 as the 3 Iwi groups
have right to issue permits).
Boy Waipara and Fred Maynard will make a submission to the board before February 20 th 2014 of the
Gisborne District Council (G.D.C Fresh Water Advisory Group) for Rongowhakaata Iwi allocation
issues. A draft plan is due for completion late January 2014.
Notices of Motions / Remits
There was some discussion regarding trustee remuneration for the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (RIT).
The amounts in question are comparable with similar sized Iwi settlement entities and treaty
settlements and it is recognised that at this time in our development phase trustee time, skills and
knowledge are a koha contribution until our entities are fully operational.
Resolution #1 –
That the Trustee remuneration for the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (RIT) remain at $300(gross)
per meeting and an honorarium of $20,000(gross) per annum be paid to the Chair of the
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust in recognition of the additional work required from this position.
Moved:
Tutekawa Wyllie
Seconded:
Erena Nepe.
Carried.
Resolution #2 That the Trustee fees for the Rongowhakaata Settlement Trust remain at $300(gross) per
meeting.
Moved:
Tina Karaitiana
Seconded:
Jody Wyllie
Carried.
Resolution #3 –
That the annual accounts of the Rongowhakaata Group for the year ended June 30 th 2013 be
received and approved and that BDO Spicer’s-Gisborne be appointed Auditors for the 2014
financial year.
Moved:
Erena Nepe
Seconded:
Tina Karaitiana
Carried.
Resolution #4- That an honorarium of $10,000(gross) per annum is set and is to be paid to
the deputy chair of the Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust (12months, subject to review).
Moved:
Erena Nepe.
Seconded:
Jody Wyllie
General Business:
Carried.
Tina Karaitiana tabled a proposal in regards to Te Poho O Rawiri Marae. The presentation was make
Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust aware of the project and seeking their support.
DISCUSSION:
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(Communications) SIPO will be made available on the website.
Register- Objective to be up and running smoothly by the end of January early February in
time for Ballet voting. (elections)
Approach Ngai Tamanuhiri about their register setup.
There’s intention to sell the Police property.
Advisers/experts needed to help build financial structure and investment development, tax
efficiency and legal advice within the trust.
Provide training and offer support to our trustees to up skill their trusteeship
Develop frameworks around Marae and their future plans and actives.
Maori Battalion (Judith Ngarangione) made an application for funding to host a celebration
event in dedication and honour of past and present war veterans/soldiers in the upcoming
100th ANZAC Memorial Day next year (2014) financial support for this event was granted.
Resolution:
That matters raised in general business be tabled.
Moved:
Raiha Moetara
Seconded:
Erena Nepe
Carried
Meeting closed with Karakia by Lewis Moeau at 2:15pm
Followed by kai (lunch)