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 KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY Independent Member Vacancy for Te Ohu Arotake, the Audit and Risk Committee. Four-year term Located in Hāwera, Taranaki 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 Mō te Tūranga | The Role An opportunity has arisen within Te Ohu Arotake, the Audit and Risk Committee of Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust. We are looking for an experienced audit and risk member to take an active role in ensuring the guiding principle of Ngākaunui (Sound Judgement) is exercised. Exposure to Māori business is also an advantage. Ko Wai Mātou? | About Us Te Korowai and its subsidiaries constitute the Ngāruahine Group which is a significant sized Post Settlement Governance Group (PSGE) group with a high level of accountability to its people. Te Ohu Arotake is part of our organisational commitment to mahi ka tika (transparency) and mahi pono (trustworthiness) which is embedded within our Trust deed. This means that we will adopt full reporting processes and ensure our business practices and major decisions are based on transparent processes. Ngā Pūkenga | Skills and Experience Exceptional commercial and financial acumen Have relevant governance experience in commercial decision making, audit and risk committees. Proven experience in internal procedural audit and risk management Passion and understanding of tikanga Māori and intergenerational sustainability Tono mai | Apply Based in Hāwera, Taranaki, this is a four-year fixed-term opportunity, with a preferred onboarding start date of July. If you would like to be considered for this role, please apply to jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz . Closing date for applications is 15 June 2026. To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.

TE KOROWAI O NGĀRUAHINE | VACANCY Te Taura Here Tāhuhu - Executive Governance & Project Support Permanent 37.5 hours per week Located in Hāwera, Taranaki 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 “Mahia atu e te iwi e, ngā rawe a tauiwi” We’re looking for a skilled and passionate Governance Support Specialist with strong experience in engagement initiatives and project delivery to help lead our major events. If you thrive at the heart of governance activity and enjoy delivering key initiatives grounded in kaupapa Māori, while contributing to outcomes that create lasting impact for Ngāruahine, we encourage you to apply. Mō te tūranga | The role We are seeking a skilled and passionate Governance Support Specialist to play a key role in supporting our governance functions while also contributing to the planning and delivery of major events. This role is primarily focused on governance support to our Tumu Whakarae (CEO) and Board, and will also support the Pouuruhi Kaupapa – Iwi, in coordinating high-profile events and engagement activities delivered on a periodic basis. You will work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure effective governance processes, accurate documentation, and timely reporting, while also helping to bring our key events and initiatives to life. This is a varied and dynamic role that combines structure, coordination, and delivery. Key Responsibilities: Governance Provide high-level governance coordination support to the Tumu Whakarae, Executive Leadership Team, Board, and sub-committees. Provide executive assistant support to the Tumu Whakarae. Plan and manage governance meeting cycles, including agendas, papers, minutes, action tracking, and resolution follow-up. Ensure timely, accurate, and high-quality information is provided to support effective decision-making. Maintain governance frameworks, policies, and compliance requirements, ensuring they remain current and fit for purpose. Events & Engagement Support the planning, coordination, and delivery of major events and engagement initiatives Represent Te Korowai at engagement events as required Work with stakeholders to manage logistics, scheduling, and event documentation Assist in developing event materials and communications Ensure smooth execution of events, including on-the-day coordination where required Contribute to post-event evaluation and reporting He kōrero mōu | About you The successful candidate will offer: You are a highly organised and detail-focused professional who thrives in a structured governance environment while also enjoying the energy and coordination involved in delivering events. Experience in governance support, administration, or coordination roles Strong attention to detail and ability to manage competing priorities Confidence in preparing documentation such as agendas, minutes, and reports Experience in major event coordination or project delivery Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills A proactive and collaborative approach, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team An understanding of or interest in community focused outcomes He Angitūtanga | The opportunity Make a meaningful impact in a values-driven, kaupapa Māori organisation and the wider community. 4% personal development budget 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 Tono mai | Apply If this sounds like you and you would like to know more about the role, please send an email to Jessica@ngaruahine.iwi.nz Closing date for applications is 9am, 19 May 2026 To be eligible to apply, candidates must currently hold the right to work and reside in New Zealand.

