Section 7aa Submission
3 July 2024
Committee Secretariat
Social Service & Community Select Committee Parliament Buildings
Wellington
Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of Sec4on 7AA) Amendment Bill
Kōrero whakataki
- Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust (‘Te Korowai’) is the Post Settlement Governance Entity (‘PSGE’) for Ngāruahine Iwi. Te Korowai has responsibility of managing and growing the Ngāruahine treaty settlement assets – for the benefit of Ngāruahine uri, whānau, hapū and Iwi. Te Korowai also has the responsibility to ensure an enduring settlement and that Te Tiriti rights of Ngāruahine are upheld by government.
- Te Korowai does not have any political affiliations and we will work alongside any government to progress the interests of Ngāruahine. Equally, we have the responsibility of challenging any statutory reforms and policies that conflict with the interests of Ngāruahine.
- This submission outlines the general view of Te Korowai as informed by our purpose, strategies, plans and policies – which can be found at can be found on our website www.ngaruahine.iwi.nz.
- Te Korowai strongly oppose the Oranga Tamariki (Repeal of section 7AA) Amendment Bill.
E hoki ki te Ūkaipō
- Our priority is the well-being of our Ngāruahine tamariki, whānau, hapū and Iwi. We encourage the reconnection of our uri and whānau to their Hapū and Iwi.
- We are concerned by the lack of consultation undertaken with Iwi Māori, and the lack of evidence base for this amendment. We are concerned about the removal of key accountability provisions for tamariki Māori. The current disparities for Māori will widen with the repeal of s7AA.
- We support the Waitangi Tribunal's findings in their urgent inquiry report (Wai 3350):
- The repeal of s7AA is a clear breach of Te Tiriti article 2 guarantee to Māori of Tino rangatiratanga over kāinga
- The repeal breaches the principle of partnership and active protection
- The repeal of s7AA is rushed and we are prejudiced by this
- There has been a failure to fully analyse the downstream effects of the repeal
- There is a significant risk of actual harm to vulnerable tamariki
There is no conflict between Te Tiriti and the well-being and best interests of our Tamariki.
Hei whakakapi
- We are deeply concerned by the disproportionate targeting of Māori in statutory reform programme under the 100-day plan, and the toxic vitriol and anti-Māori sentiment that it encourages.
- We recommend that the repeal of s 7AA should not proceed.
Pai Mārire
Emma Gardiner Pouwhakarae
Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust
TE WHIRIWHIRINGA 2026 | Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust | 2026 TRUSTEE ELECTIONS Pānui - 15 April 2026
TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY Kaiwhakahaere Whiwhinga me ngā Kirimana - Procurement and Contract Management Specialist Fixed Term (18 months) Full-time 37.5 hours per week Located in Hāwera, Taranaki “He toi whakairo, he mana tangata.” Te Korowai o Ngāruahine is moving into the next phase of mahi — with a clear focus on strengthening how we deliver for our whānau, hapū, and uri. As part of this, we are recruiting for two key roles: Procurement Specialist and EPMO Lead. These roles are about building strong foundations across the group. Strengthening how we plan, how we prioritise, and how we deliver. Bringing consistency, clarity, and confidence into our systems and decision-making, so we are set up to achieve the outcomes we’ve committed to. We’re looking for people who bring strong technical capability, but who also understand the environment they are working in — where kaupapa Māori matters, and how we work is just as important as what we deliver. If you’re ready to contribute to something that will have a long-term impact for Ngāruahine, we encourage you to apply. Mō te tūranga | The role Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust is seeking a dynamic an experienced Kaiwhakahaere Whiwhinga me ngā Kirimana – Procurement & Contract Management Specialist to lead the development of best-practice procurement and contract management across the organisation and its entities. This is a unique opportunity to shape how we engage suppliers, manage contracts, and deliver value with a forward-looking approach to procurement that strengthens organisational outcomes. Key Responsibilities: Establish and embed procurement and contract management frameworks, policies, processes, and controls. Lead end-to-end procurement activities, including market engagement, sourcing, evaluation, and contract award. Promote competitive sourcing and tender processes to maximise value, transparency, and fairness. Develop and manage high-quality contracts, ensuring strong commercial and risk outcomes. Monitor supplier performance and strengthen vendor management practices. Provide trusted commercial and procurement advice to Pou, project teams, and leaders. Build procurement and contract management capability across kaimahi through guidance, tools, and templates. Introduce data, reporting, and metrics to enable informed decision-making and continuous improvement. Lead a planned, forward-looking procurement approach aligned to organisational priorities. He kōrero mōu | About you The successful candidate will offer: Proven experience in procurement and contract management, ideally in complex or multi-entity environments Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance value, risk, and outcomes Experience establishing or improving procurement processes and frameworks Confidence in contract drafting, negotiation, and lifecycle management Experience leading competitive sourcing processes (RFPs, RFQs, tenders) Ability to influence, build capability, and foster collaboration across diverse teams Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Understanding of, or commitment to, Ngāruahinetanga with a kaupapa Māori approach and values alignment He Angitūtanga | The opportunity Make a meaningful impact in a values-driven, kaupapa Māori organisation and the wider community. 4% personal development budget Lead and shape the future procurement and contract management for the Trust Enjoy a fun, supportive work environment with opportunities for growth Hybrid working arrangements available Participate in significant kaupapa and events, and access to te reo Māori learning Ngā Mātāpono | Values At Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, our values are the foundation of everything we do: Mahi ka tika | Transparency Mahi pono | Trustworthiness Manaakitanga | Sharing and caring Māhakitanga | Respect and humility Ngākaunui | Sound judgement Hari me te koa | Fun and celebration Tono mai | Apply If this sounds like you, email your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to Jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz We will be reviewing applications as we receive them. Closing date for applications is 9am, Thursday, 30 April 2026 To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.
TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY Kaiwhakahaere Kaupapa Pakihi - Enterprise Project Manager Fixed Term (12 months) 37.5 hours per week Located in Hāwera, Taranaki “He toi whakairo, he mana tangata.” Te Korowai o Ngāruahine is moving into the next phase of mahi — with a clear focus on strengthening how we deliver for our whānau, hapū, and uri. As part of this, we are recruiting for two key roles: Procurement Specialist and EPMO Lead. These roles are about building strong foundations across the group. Strengthening how we plan, how we prioritise, and how we deliver. Bringing consistency, clarity, and confidence into our systems and decision-making, so we are set up to achieve the outcomes we’ve committed to. We’re looking for people who bring strong technical capability, but who also understand the environment they are working in — where kaupapa Māori matters, and how we work is just as important as what we deliver. If you’re ready to contribute to something that will have a long-term impact for Ngāruahine, we encourage you to apply. Mō te tūranga | The role Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Kaiwhakahaere Pūnaha Kaupapa – EPM Lead to establish and lead a centralised Enterprise Project Management Office for our impact investments. This role will strengthen project and programme delivery, embed best-practice governance and frameworks, and ensure initiatives deliver meaningful outcomes for whānau and the Trust. This is a unique opportunity to shape how Te Korowai plans, coordinates, and delivers programmes and projects, strengthening organisational capability while upholding tikanga and kaupapa Māori values. Key Responsibilities: Lead end-to-end programme management for enterprise initiatives, ensuring alignment with organisational strategy, kaupapa Māori values, and whānau outcomes. Develop and maintain strong relationships with iwi, hapū, community stakeholders, and government agencies supporting programme success and collaboration. Oversee planning, resource allocation, risk management, and performance frameworks, ensuring projects and programmes are delivered efficiently, effectively, and sustainably. Establish programme-level governance, standardise project methodologies, and maintain consistent reporting across the organisation to improve transparency and accountability. Centralise resource management to allocate personnel and budgets efficiently across initiatives, reducing bottlenecks and maximising delivery capability. Provide strategic advice and reporting to the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, and Trustees on opportunities, progress, outcomes, risks, and impacts. Foster innovation, continuous improvement, and knowledge sharing across programmes, building organisational capability and a culture of learning. He kōrero mōu | About you The successful candidate will offer: Proven experience in enterprise-level project and programme management, ideally with PMO leadership experience. Strong knowledge of project governance, risk management, and portfolio oversight. Experience designing and implementing frameworks, processes, and tools that are adaptive and culturally grounded. Strong leadership, coaching, and stakeholder engagement skills. Analytical skills to turn portfolio and project data into actionable insights. Commitment to kaupapa Māori values and ability to integrate tikanga into project delivery. He Angitūtanga | The opportunity Make a meaningful impact in a values-driven, kaupapa Māori organisation and the wider community. 4% personal development budget Lead and shape the future procurement and contract management for the Trust Enjoy a fun, supportive work environment with opportunities for growth Hybrid working arrangements available Participate in significant kaupapa and events, and access to te reo Māori learning Ngā Mātāpono | Values At Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust, our values are the foundation of everything we do: Mahi ka tika | Transparency Mahi pono | Trustworthiness Manaakitanga | Sharing and caring Māhakitanga | Respect and humility Ngākaunui | Sound judgement Hari me te koa | Fun and celebration Tono mai | Apply If this sounds like you, I would love to kōrero! Contact Jessica Shaw on 021 119 7270 or to apply, email your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to Jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz We will be reviewing applications as we receive them. Closing date for applications is 9am, Thursday, 30 April 2026 To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.
