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
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He toa raupine, he toa raukura, he toa rauora! Te Korowai o Ngāruahine acknowledges and thanks our retiring Trustees for their service, leadership and contribution to Ngāruahine. We particularly acknowledge the welcome and support they have extended to incoming Trustees as we transition into the new governance term. The new Board brings together a strong mix of new perspectives, seasoned governance experience and continuity. The new Te Korowai Board consists of Katrina Taylor, Tauke King, Ngaraina Brooks, Emma Gardiner, Ferinica Hawe Foreman, Tazmyn Katene, Bonita Bigham, Allie Hemara Wahanui, Sarah Mako, Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope, Will Edwards and Pikiteora Matehaere. Of particular note is the appointment of our youngest trustee to date and first trustee to have attended Te Kura o Ngaruahinerangi, Pikiteora Matehaere. She has held national representative body governance roles, as well as being a Trustee on Ngāti Tamaahuroa Titahi Trust. Pikiteora brings a new generational voice to the Board, grounded in our Ngāruahine reo and tikanga — he toa o te rauora. Our incoming Trustees also bring a significant depth of experience from across governance, iwi, hapū, community and professional settings. This is complemented by returning Trustees, whose experience provides important continuity and organisational knowledge as the new Board establishes itself. Te Korowai Board resolved to reappoint Emma Gardiner as Pouwhakarae. This is reflective of the Board’s appetite for continuity and ensuring traction on several priority kaupapa heading into the new term. The Board has also confirmed the following appointments: • Te Ohu Arotake (Audit and Risk) – Allie Hemara Wahanui (Chair), Tauke King and Sarah Mako • Tumu Herenga Tangata (People and Culture) – Bonita Bigham (Chair) and Allie Hemara Wahanui • Te Mataōwhiti (Te Reo) – Rere-No-A-Rangi Pope (Chair) and Katrina Taylor • Pupuke te Hihiri (Impact Investments) – Ferinica Foreman and Will Edwards • Te Kīwai Mauī o Ngāruahine (Commercial Subsidiary) – Will Edwards • Ngā Rere (Lodge) – Bonita Bigham • Te Kāhui Matauraura, South Taranaki District Council – Bonita Bigham and Sarah Mako Together, the appointments reflect a balance of renewal, experience and continuity, with Trustees now moving into their respective governance responsibilities for the new term.
Media Release - 24 September 2026 Media Release from Te Korowai o Ngāruahine Trust dated 24 September 2026 for your information. Ngā Rere Ora Ltd Announces Appointment of General Manager. Click image to read Media Release.
