News
Welcome to our News Centre. Here you’ll find our blog, latest news, media releases and information to keep you informed.
NgaiTakoto Iwi sign Deed of Settlement
Far north Iwi, NgaiTakoto signed their settlement in Wellington last week. Two trustees (Wallace Rivers and Mangu Awarau) and the lead negotiator, Rangitane Marsen, were there to sign on behalf of the Iwi.
Tuia Group, Director, Toko Kapea, was present at the signing. Tuia Group have worked alongside NgaiTakoto as specialist advisors and their lawyers.
Please refer to the Office of Treaty Settlements website for more information about the NgaiTakoto settlement.
Te Ture Whenua Maori Review Panellist on the road
äTuia Group, Director, Toko Kapea - he's been everywhere!
Whanganui - Waitara - Christchurch - Invercargill - Mangere - Kaikohe - Kaitaia Hoani Waititi Marae, Auckland
Toko Kapea was recently appointed to the Te Ture Whenua Mäori Act Review Panel with a view to unlocking the economic potential of Mäori land for its beneficiaries, while preserving its cultural significance for future generations.
The Panel has produced a Discussion Document with five broad propositions aimed at increasing the likelihood of utilisation of Mäori land and are now holding a series of regional hui.
For further information:Review of Te Ture Whenua Mäori Act 1993
Te Tōimairangi Marae, Invercargill
Tuia Group and Cranleigh Partnership
Tuia Group and Cranleigh have formed a partnership to offer a full range of corporate advisory, development, finance and commercial law services for clients in the public, private sectors as well as Mäori, Pacific and indigenous groups and organisations.
Tuia Group's focus is on commercial law, economic development and business consulting and works closely with Cranleigh on client projects. Both companies have a complementary set of skills to assist clients in mergers and aquisitions, financial modelling, corporate finance and law and sector advisory expertise.
Investment Bureau set up to Protect Bougainville's Resources, Culture and Environment
Tuia International has set up a new investment strategy in Bougainville to ensure a better deal for local people.
Tuia International establish Investment Bureau
The Autonomous Region of Bougainville plans to implement an Inward investement Bureau with the purpose of controlling inward investment to the region.
The Bureau will screen investment proposals, based on an assessment regime of responsible investment which protects Bougainville's resources, culture and environment.
According to the Minister of Commerce for the Autonomous Bougainville Government, Minister Komba, "We believe that our Investment Bureau will be a centre-piece of the ABG's approach to building our economy with the help of responsible investors. We see the bureau as being a "Jewel in the Crown" for Bougainville.
Legislation to establish the Investment Bureau is expected to be presented to Parliament in June.
Minister updates Parliament on Inward Investment
Mr Speaker, President Momis, my esteemed parliamentary colleagues, it is with great pleasure that I can update this House on the progress being made by the ABG around managing Investment into Bougainville.
In August last year, with the support of our friends in the New Zealand and Australian governments, the ABG engaged Tuia International, to look at how Bougainville could attract the investment we need to grow our economy and to become fiscally self-reliant, but at the same time to make sure that we attracted only the right type of investment to Bougainville.
As Bougainvilleans we know all too graphically what happens when the wrong type of people come here and try to take advantage of us. We only want to work with people who share our values and our aspirations Those who we can be sure will support not only our economic but also our social and cultural development.
Tuia International was selected to assist us, because they are a New Zealand firm, and we know the Kiwis well, but also because they are a Maori firm, and therefore understand the fundamental values of indigenous people. These values include the participation of our people in all aspects of society and the economy, protection of our resources and importantly being able to determine our own future at the speed and in the manner we decide is appropriate.
Tuia reported back to the BEC in December last year, nearly exactly a year ago, and the BEC adopted as policy their recommendations. In terms of investment, the recommendations were that Bougainville needed to adopt as policy a concept of “Responsible Investment”; and that the ABG should legislate to establish an investment framework guided by the concept of “Responsible Investment”; and that the ABG should establish an Investment Bureau to screen applications and then decide on investment into Bougainville. Given our vast natural resources and likely increased interest in Bougainville as an investment destination through the mining industry or otherwise, this process provides a level of much needed scrutiny.
Before I comment on what has happened since these recommendations were accepted by the BEC, let me take a moment to describe to this House what “Responsible Investment “is.
Responsible Investment is:
- Aligned with local values and cultures;
- Is ethical, moral, and fair;
- Recognises and protects customary land rights;
- Is environmentally sustainable;
- Maximises the participation of our people;
- Achieves social outcomes and strengthens cultural identity.
I believe that everyone in this House and the wider community would agree with these principles.
As I said the BEC adopted this definition of Responsible Investment as policy and agreed with the need to draft legislation to give effect to this, and to design and build an Investment Bureau to screen and decide on Inward Investment.
Again with the financial support of the NZ and Australian governments the ABG has been able to engage Tuia International since August 2012. This week I have been able to update my BEC colleagues on the excellent progress to date. We now have:
- Draft legislation ready to be introduced to this House in 2013 to establish the Bougainville Investment framework, to operate under the definition of Responsible Investment, and to set up as a statutory body, the Bougainville Investment Bureau;
- Detailed design of the Bureau including its staffing, and the appointment and role of its Board;
- An implementation plan for 2013 to have the Bureau set up and running;
- The start of consultation with the National Government on the drawdown of relevant powers under the Bougainville and National Constitutions. President Momis sent notice of the intention to drawdown powers in November.
- A programme to build the Bureau in 2013 starting now;
- A comprehensive communications plan to ensure that the people of Bougainville know about the fact that we want to encourage” Responsible Investment’ and that we are putting in place legislation to make this happen.
We will still maintain a strong relationship with the National Government and the IPA in particular. I would like to record at this point our appreciation of the strong spirit of support and co-operation that we have received from the IPA in our work to date.
The legislation will have penalties for those who break our law. But we know that penalties alone will not always stop bad people who do not have our interests at heart.
The ABG has a clear policy of what we expect from Investors, and therefore responsible investors will be encouraged to come here, knowing that they will be welcome. We do not want to repeat the mistakes of the past. Bad investors will be discouraged, and most importantly as our people become knowledgeable about the policy and the legislation, and who is a Responsible Investor, they will have much more confidence about with whom they should work and who they shouldn’t work with. We believe that our Investment Bureau will be a centre-piece of the ABG's approach to building our economy with the help of responsible investors. We see the bureau as being a "Jewel in the Crown' for Bougainville.
This is an exciting time for Bougainville. We must remember that we have what the world wants: we need outside help to build our economy; but we can do this on our terms, because we have what the world wants.
I look forward to updating the house as we progress toward introducing Inward Investment Legislation and building the Bureau.
Tuia Group supports Chatham Rock Phosphate Project
Tuia Group Lawyer, Matt Sword, was recently in the Chatham Islands meeting with various groups, organisations and residents from Chatham Islands regarding potential mining projects on Chatham Rise.
For further information about Chatham Rock Phosphate
P.S. Enormous crayfish added bonus!
Tuia Group sponsors Maori Business Seminar
Tuia Group sponsors Victoria University Māori Business Postgraduate Seminar WAI 262 Kaitiakitanga
WAI 262 Indigenous Flora and Fauna Claim was the Waitangi Tribunal's first whole of government report. The Tribunal found that iwi and hapu have kaitiaki interest with the Treaty framework. The aim of this seminar is to raise awareness and to provide practical examples in dealing with the complex issues surrounding kaitiakitanga and cultural and intellectual property.
MBUS 401 - Māori and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property Issues, is an Honours paper offered by Aroha Mead of Te Kura Whakahaere, The Victoria Management School
The seminar will be held on Thursday 4 October 2012, at Rutherford House, Piptea Campus, Victoria University
For further information:
Tuia Group Director to participate in International Visitor Leadership Programme
Toko Kapea, Director Tuia Group, has been nominated by the United States of America Embassy to participate in their International Visitor Leadership Programme.
The theme for this Programme (they run multiple programmes) is called: 21st Century Societies and Cultures in the Shrinking World, running from 1 - 22 September 2012, and it will focus on 'the strategies used by indigenous communities to support their sustainability and the path they choose to follow in the shrinking and highly technological world of tomorrow".
The project, for political, civic, and private sector leaders within indigenous East Asian, Pacific, Latin American and South American communities, will examinie how 21st century indigenous and Native American societies can thrive, ensure civil rights, and meet civic responsibilties within the wider community. Participants will discuss the balance between development and sustainability, and how economic activity affects culture and vice versa.
For further information, see attached website link
Tuia International engaged in Foreign Investment Framework
Autonomous Bougainville Government President, Chief John Momis, announced on 20 August, the intention of his government to establish a foreign investment regime to attract responsible investment to Bougainville.
In 2011 the ABG engaged Tuia International, to advise on how to attract investment into Bougainville. Following adoption by the Bougainville Executive Council in December 2011, Tuia International have been engaged to assist the ABG in establishing the foreign investment framework.
Tuia International included in VSA aid programme partnerships in Pacific
Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully has announced a three year support package of $24m for Volunteer Service Abroad (VSA) to help place skilled NZ volunteers in developing countries. Following a successful project in the Pacific, Tuia International has signed a partnership agreement with VSA to assist in delivering aid development projects in the Pacific. The two organisations have complementary values and corresponding approaches.
"New Zealand is a world leader in areas like agriculture and tourism development that are vital for developing countries, especially in the Pacific," Mr McCully said.
"The government wants more New Zealanders to be involved in the delivery of our aid programme"
VSA now has a strong focus on supporting economic development and is delivering more opportunities for volunteers in the Pacific".
"VSA is also offering more short-term assignments and partnering with other NZ organisations such as Downer NZ, Tuia International, World Vision and Rotary NZ to access more New Zealanders with specific expertise"
Tuia Group Chairman appointed to Miraka Board
Tim Gibson, Chairman of Tuia Group, has been appointed to the Board of Miraka Ltd as the Māori Trustee representative. Tim was appointed given his extensive international business experience, having held senior roles in the NZ Dairy Board in Asia, Europe and in New Zealand.
Miraka Ltd, a new entrant to the NZ Dairy processing industry is backed by a group of Māori trusts and incorporations. As a majority Māori owned and controlled dairy company, Miraka is here for the long term.
The owners share a vision of sustainable business practices that will provide long term returns for current and future generations; from land that will never be sold.
Tuia Group Director Appointed to Environmental Reference Group
Director Toko Kapea has been appointed as a member of the Kaitiaki Group. This group will independently monitor and oversee environmental matters relating to operations of Bathurst Resources Limited. Bathurst is an Australian and New Zealand listed company focused on becoming a producer of high quality coking and thermal coal to niche export markets. Bathurst is developing a high quality hard coking coal project in the Buller Coalfield in the South Island of New Zealand, a region known globally for its low ash and high fluidity coking coal.
Tuia Group Director Appointed to Land Panel
Director Toko Kapea has recently been appointed by the Associate Minister of Māori Affairs - Chris Finlayson to the Review Panel of Te Ture Whenua Māori - Māori Land Act 1993. Toko was appointed given his extensive experience in advising on Māori land issues, his commercial and banking experience including lending and investment for multiple-owned land and his governance experience of a large-scale Māori land incorporation.
An expert panel will review Te Ture Whenua Māori Act with a view to unlocking the economic potential of Māori land for its beneficiaries, while preserving its cultural significance for future generations, Associate Māori Affairs Minister Christopher Finlayson announced today.
There are over 27,137 blocks of Māori land under Te Ture Whenua Māori Act, comprising 1.42 million hectares, or around 5% of the total land in New Zealand.
A report in March 2011 by the (then) Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry estimated that up to 80% of Māori land was under-performing for its owners. In many cases this was because of structural issues which stemmed from the legislation.
“The 2011 MAF report showed there are a number of issues affecting the performance of Māori land and I see these in my work travelling the country as Treaty Negotiations Minister,” Mr Finlayson said. “In particular compliance costs associated with Te Ture Whenua Māori Act and the processes of the Māori Land Court can also have flow on effects for governance. That is why I have commissioned a very able panel of experts to review the Act and make practical recommendations for enhancing the legislation.”
Treaty Settlements - Tuia Group Congratulates NgāiTakoto's Settlement
NgāiTakoto have long been seeking a settlement to historical Treaty of Waitangi breaches by the Crown. Many years after the Waitangi Tribunal's Muriwhenua Land Report, the NgāiTakoto-a-Iwi Research Unit Trust was recognised in 2008 to directly negotiate with the Crown. After lengthy negotiations and a successful ratification process, NgāiTakoto are set to create history in July 2012 with the official signing of their settlement.
The NgāiTakoto Iwi was almost entirely destroyed by 1860. What NgāiTakoto lands hadn't been sold by other Iwi were subsequently taken by the Crown leaving NgāiTakoto virtually landless, marginalised and impoverished. NgāiTakoto has fought back from the brink of extinction, building identity through a logo, new office, employment of staff, creation of a four marae/beneficiary representative Board, radio shows, merchandising and website.
NgāiTakoto's settlement involves both individual and collective redress, notably:
- $21.04 million quantum
- Significant cultural and commercial properties (including interests in Te Aupouri Forest and Sweetwater Farm
- Governance positions relating to Te Oneroa a Tohe/90 Mile Beach, Conservation lands and Social Development forum (through the Te Hiku o Te Ika Forum)
Te Rünanga o NgāiTakoto - will receive and administer settlement assets on a prudent and conservative basis, acknowledging that it has taken 25 years of hard work to reach this point. This settlement will re-establish NgāiTakoto's mana in the Far North and provide opportunities for NgāiTakoto members for generations to come.
Tuia Group is very proud to have been involved in NgāiTakoto's settlement. We provided specialist advice including: strategy, communications, legal and structuring advice. Some notable points about their settlement:
- They achieved one of the best quantum settlements, per capita, in the country
- Their ratification process produced a 50.13% voter turnout - the highest ever in the history of Treaty Settlements
- Tuia Group acted fo NgāiTakoto at the Waitangi Tribunal successfully defending the settlement.
Tuia Group congratulates NgāiTakoto on achieving their settlement.
Tuia Group Celebrates Fifth Birthday
Specialist advisory firm Tuia Group marked its fifth anniversary by celebrating with business and Iwi leaders, clients, dignitaries, MPs and news media on Matariki – the Māori New Year.
Directors Guy Royal, Mike Taitoko, Toko Kapea and company chairman Tim Gibson and staff hosted guests at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea to mark the occasion.
Guest speaker Deputy Prime Minister Bill English applauded the founders of Tuia Group for their foresight and entrepreneurship.
Mr English also acknowledged Tuia Group’s expansion into overseas markets where it was beginning to export its consulting expertise, particularly in the fast growing Asia and Pacific economies.
Post Treaty Settlement Aotearoa
Paul Diamond, Radio NZ, talks to Tuia Group Director, Toko Kapea who has contributed essays to the Post Treaty Settlements Website. The Interview also includes demographer Tahu Kukutai, editor of the Chinese in New Zealand website, Steven Young and historian Ewan Morris.
Cook Islands
Cook Islands Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB) - Good Stuff Happening
http://www.btib.gov.ck/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=135&Itemid=148
Bougainville, PNG
Islands Business
Bougainville gets aid on investment
Pacific Island News Association (PINA)
Bougainville gets aid on investment
http://www.pina.com.fj/index.php?p=pacnews&m=read&o=14708839444e4db1bc5ec9474a8387
The National; 19/08/2011
NZ firm to lure investors for Bougainville By Stephanie Elizah
http://www.thenational.com.pg/?q=node/22246
Post-Courier; 18/08/2011
Bougainville gets aid on investment By Daniel Tangia
AUSTRALIA and New Zealand Governments are funding a major project to assist Bougainville attract responsible foreign investment.
The ABG yesterday announced the appointment of a New Zealand Māori firm, Tuia International, to help the ABG on how Bougainville could attract responsible foreign investment. The projects would be funded by the NZ and Australian governments through their NZAid and AusAID programs.
Waiora Real-time Water Monitoring
Idealog; 28/07/2011
A new way to monitor water
http://idealog.co.nz/news/2011/07/waiora-new-way-monitor-water
Scoop; 28/07/2011
World leading environmental monitoring tool launched
TangataWhenua.com; 28/07/2011
New agreement gives greater Māori voice to management of NZ’s water assets