Tuhoe have ambitious plans for pharmaceuticals, science and research, eco-tourism, food and technology, horticulture, agriculture, and so on. The idea is to generate income and soak up the unemployed.
But what happens if the Tuhoe businesses fall over? Is Government still the backstop for beneficiaries? Could taxpayers pay twice?
It's hard to see how the Government can hold Tuhoe to account for beneficiary money. Tuhoe is claiming welfare payments as a Treaty settlement. It's a tribal claim of entitlement not an offer of a better service.
So what happens if Tuhoe decide a beneficiary is a bludger not deserving of a hand out? Can Tuhoe refuse the beneficiary? The principle of mana motuhake says yes.
What then does the Government do?
Providing a back-up benefit would undercut Tuhoe's mana motuhake and counter their "war on dependency". Mana motuhake means Government butts out.
Presumably the Tuhoe beneficiary could leave the rohe and claim the benefit elsewhere. It is unknown whether the beneficiary's entitlement would follow or stay with Tuhoe. Again, the taxpayer could pay twice.
There's also an uncomfortable question that must be asked: what's to prevent serious abuse? The payments will be at the discretion of Tuhoe leaders and managers. The system won't have the clear and public rules of the public welfare system and Tuhoe leadership is not subject to the democratic check of Government.
The beneficiary's servitude on Government is overblown rhetoric. Beneficiaries are paid to do nothing. But the servitude of beneficiaries dependent on tribal bosses could prove very real. The potential for abuse looms large.
I agree with Kruger's aims and aspirations. I have grave reservations about his approach.
There's an easy way for Tuhoe to win the "war on dependency." Erect a sign: "no welfare." And enforce it.
The answer to dependency is to reject it.
As it stands it looks like welfare is okay for tribal bosses but not for beneficiaries.
