Susan Huria: The good outweighs the bad for Maori

COMMENT


With still almost three months to go, this year is shaping up as a critical one for Maori, and one of extraordinary progress.

It began with growing national polarisation over the seabed and foreshore debate, followed by Don Brash's infamous Orewa speech. Both propelled Treaty of Waitangi issues and race relations to the top of the nation's political agenda.

Rattled, the Government slammed the brakes on many race-based initiatives. This year looked set to be a low point for Maori progress.

Remarkably, however, the exact opposite has occurred. During the past nine months, a number of significant marker posts have secured, strengthened and empowered Maori, as never before.

Some of these have created headlines. Others - equally important - have slipped by beneath the radar. It is worth recapping:

* The Maori Television Service has been a giant leap forward for Maori. Despite a troubled and protracted start-up, it was launched with fanfare, and thrives.

It is a significant milestone for Maori in defining our identity and future. The Government is to be commended for its commitment and funding to make MTS a reality.

Maori television will have far-reaching effects on the cultural renaissance and advancement of our people.

* The Hikoi was an outpouring of Maori solidarity against the Government's proposed foreshore and seabed legislation, and other pent-up frustrations. It quickly segued into a remarkable statement of Maori pride.

As organiser Hone Harawira noted: "One thousand miles, 40,000 people, no arrests." The pageantry of the crowded parliamentary forecourt ablaze with red and black flags remains one of this year's enduring images.

* The Maori Party was born of the Hikoi, and what a lusty infant this is. Fewer than three months old, it has 6000 signed-up members and is holding its own with the established minor parties.

It is early days and many hurdles lie ahead. But big things are expected of the Maori Party in next year's election. It is not impossible that it will be the queen or kingmaker for Labour or National. In fact, its not impossible that a quietly spoken Wanganui kuia will be the next deputy prime minister.

* After 13 years of struggle and courtroom dramas, the Government has delivered on its promise to pass the Maori Fisheries Act. This opens the way for a new era, where Maori, through Aotearoa Fisheries, will become owners of one of New Zealand's leading commercial fisheries and a player on the global market.

The outcome is a tribute to the Waitangi Fisheries Commission and, in particular, its talented chairman, Shane Jones.

Another key development this year is that Mr Jones has thrown his hat into the political arena - for Labour. Don't be surprised to see him the next Minister of Maori Affairs. Others tip him as the first Maori Prime Minister.

* Tuhono, the iwi affiliation service funded by the Government and Maori has been one of the quiet achievers of this year. Set up earlier this year, in less than two months it had signed up 30 per cent of all New Zealanders who register as Maori.

Chief executive Dan Te Kanawa has said: "This is one of the most significant initiatives for Maori in recent times, as it will help iwi build their membership registers and secure their mandate. Among other things, it will help iwi become eligible for their fisheries allocations under the Maori Fisheries Act."

The product of Tuhono will be greater accountability and transparency within iwi organisations.

* One of the most phenomenal New Zealand success stories has been the growth of the wananga movement, the Maori tertiary institutions (Te Wananga o Aotearoa, Te Wananga o Raukawa and Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi).

This year, Te Wananga o Aotearoa became the country's biggest tertiary institution, with 38,000 Maori enrolments and 25,000 non-Maori students at campuses throughout the country.

With Maori participation in tertiary education almost doubled from 1999 to 2003, the wananga are succeeding in one of their key objectives - making learning more accessible for everyone.

* Commercial success. Long the butt of controversy about how it managed its settlement assets, Tainui this year performed a turnaround of titanic proportions.

Its investment arm, Tainui Group Holdings - separated last year from tribal political influence - reported a 90 per cent increase in net profit, from $8.3 million to $15.8 million.

Meanwhile, South Island-based Ngai Tahu Holdings is expected to announce another strong result at the end of the month.

* Maori Language Week. This year saw a brilliant celebration of the Maori language. Mainstream radio, TV, newspapers, schools, sports teams and employers all joined in, encouraging all New Zealanders to "Give it a go: korero Maori". Many did.

And there has been much more.

For instance, we will never forget the world embracing the movie adaptation of Witi Ihimaera's classic Maori story, Whale Rider, or the pride we felt when Keisha Castle-Hughes became the Oscars' youngest best actress nominee.

And all that has been in just the first nine months.

Yet , though this year Maori have made giant strides, the reality is that it may be remembered by many as a time of disenfranchisement and betrayal by the proposed changes to customary rights through the foreshore and seabed legislation.

The Government may be planning amendments to make it more palatable for Maori. Time will tell.

Another low point has been the loss of Michael King, writer and historian, in a car accident. His work as an observer of Maori has increased our understanding of our history, but sadly, it will forever remain unfinished business.

And then there are worries with the All Blacks. With Kees Meeuws heading to France, and the clock ticking for Carlos Spencer, who is going to lead the haka on the European tour this November?

* Susan Huria is a partner at Huria Anders, a company specialising in Maori issues.