Guest editorial: Assets key to unlocking Ngapuhi potential

Pita Tipene

There is far too much emphasis on Treaty of Waitangi settlements to unlock the potential in the Ngapuhi economy.

Although Treaty settlements would no doubt stimulate the Ngapuhi economy, more focus is needed on unlocking the potential in the assets held by whanau and hapu right now.

Moreover this needs to be done on 'Maori' terms and so work is needed to strengthen governance capability and build collaboration across whanau, hapu and iwi to unlock those key assets in a sustainable way, instead of concentrating on the big settlement quantums.

It is timely also to reflect on the 'partnership' that Maori has made with the Crown 174 years ago as the country approaches the anniversary of the signing of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Ngapuhi, amongst others, holds fast to the Declaration of Independence or He Whakaputanga as the basis of sovereignty in this country and some of the words used in that covenant such as 'He whenua rangatira' exemplify the prosperity and wellbeing for whanau and hapu that flourished during the 1840s.

In 2014, the whanau and hapu of Northland are looking forward to a rejuvenation and reinvigoration of their communities by going 'back to the future' and focusing on enduring principles such as 'ka ora te whenua - ka ora te tangata' or 'sustainable land leads to the people's wellbeing'.

Our people aspire to a prosperous society that will ensure the wellbeing of their children and mokopuna.

Whanau and hapu in Northland are the owners of land and other key assets and tino rangatiratanga or self-reliance is a key principle as Maori look to be active managers of their own resources and not passive owners who watched others lease their lands or manage their assets.

Therefore, whanau and hapu in Taitokerau aren't after government policies that will maintain a culture of dependence. Instead, we're seeking independence and economic freedom as ultimately we don't want to rely on anyone else. Politicians should heed this as they come north this week.

With economic confidence building and the government focusing attention on Northland, Maori are eager to work with joint venture partners to invest in value-added products that will demand premium prices.

For instance, we don't want to continue low-value log exports as truck after truck take logs to the port. We have land, people, energy and raw materials - all the ingredients needed for processing timber. However, we need to access capital from partners who shared the same values as us.

At the moment, local government reform is a focus and we want Maori to be strongly involved at all levels of decision making.

It is also imperative for whanau and hapu to build capacity and therefore education and training are important. Maori in Northland are keen to look at the Government's new Kura Hourua or Partnership schools which allows communities to determine their own solutions. We're eager that our children be encouraged to be innovative, explore through science and utilise the ultra-fast broadband that is being rolled out and not be restricted by ethnocentricity.

For too long Northland had been forgotten by successive governments and infrastructure in particular had been neglected. However, our optimism has grown with announcements in regard to roading, broadband and energy. This dynamism amongst whanau, hapu and iwi in Taitokerau to move forward together was prevalent as they look to make things work for themselves.