KEEPING IT COASTAL WHANAU DAY
H On gon goi 2013 issuE
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NEW MANAGEMENT STAFF -
FARMS AND OPERATIONS
SHARE HOLDER JOSIE BIGHAM’S EXHIBITION-’HINEWAITO’
+ 2013 SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS
The benefits of major events The All Blacks taking on France in the shadow of te Maunga Taranaki is a fantastic metaphor for the Taranaki story.
This bought money in, but it also exposed these visitors to the many attractions, amenities and lifestyle advantages that Taranaki has to offer.
Attracting a test match of this calibre, or any international event for that matter, comes down to a uniquely Taranaki approach that reflects many of the positives of life in the region like no other. The event happened because we as a community – local authorities, sporting bodies, businesses and sponsors, whanau and individuals – refuse to accept that Taranaki is just a regional corner of Aotearoa New Zealand.
It broadcast Taranaki to viewers around the world, who discovered a beautiful region and a great stadium filled with a passionate audience. They even got to see the magnificent maunga that stands over Yarrow Stadium and the region.
Through a rich and often divided history Taranaki has the foundations for a very bright future, but we are often asked how a rugby match can help us achieve that future. The match attracted thousands of visitors to the region, many for the first time.
Photo Rob Tucker
An event such as this also helps our region’s businesses to attract and retain skilled staff from around the world, and build a stronger connection with their current and future customers, who will see Taranaki as a credible region in which to do business. It also sends a signal to our children and mokopuna that Taranaki is truly a fantastic place to live, work and play. This might be enough to encourage them to stay and build a life here, to come home for good,
or as they grow and leave the region to know that they are welcome back and that there is a great future here for them. But perhaps most importantly, hosting events like this challenges what people think of Taranaki. Those outside the region will see it as a vibrant and go-ahead region, while those that are lucky enough to call Taranaki home will be justifiably proud, and take the belief that with a vision and some hard work anything is possible in the region like no other.
Venture
TARANAKI Te Puna Umanga
To find out how Venture Taranaki can help your business, call us on 06 759 5150, email us at info@venture.org.nz or visit www.taranaki.info
Tena koutou te whānau whānui o Parininihi ki Waitotatara. As Treaty Settlements within Taranaki move closer to resolution I recently wrote in my Taranaki Daily News column that the settlement process was supposedly to help put in place a foundation for Māori to overcome welfare dependency through economic development. The settlement process was not established to transfer the target of Māori welfare dependency from the state to iwi. Though PKW Incorporation is not an iwi entity as such, it is still seen as a vehicle for improving the social and cultural wellbeing of its shareholders who are themselves iwi members. This can at times be challenging especially given the history associated to the leases we now own and manage. Let alone dealing with the commercial imperatives like the incorporation’s farming businesses that require large capital investments.
Despite this challenge we recognize that we share a common interest with the iwi organisations within our Taranaki rohe to support our shareholders to realize rangatiratanga, in essence to manage and control their own destiny. Building and sustaining a successful agribusiness is in itself a means to do that not necessarily the end result. The end result will always be about our people, our identity as descendants of the tipuna who left us the legacy associated to our lands, awa, maunga and moana. It is a cultural imperative that I like to think we are building our organisational capacity around and that the people who come and work for us will also reinforce. To that end in this Whenua edition we introduce you to a number of new members of our team across our organisation and investments. They bring a mix of skills and experience that will help strengthen our capacity. It is even more pleasing that we have a young Māori farmer, Tristan Horo within the mix, a trend we hope to replicate in the future.
We also showcase where some of our investment is happening in our attempt to build our future workforce, support our culture and arts within Taranaki, and strengthen our leadership base. Grants and scholarships are an immeasurable way of making investment in our human infrastructure. PKW Trust is becoming more proactive in making sure we get a return on that investment and testing the thinking of our scholars about important issues facing us helps give us insight and keeps us in touch with the thinking and understanding of our future leaders. Nevertheless having the opportunity to showcase the amazing legacy our kuia Aunty Josie Bigham has established within her own whanau reminds us that our past will always part of our future. No reira
CONTRIBUTORS
Whenua is building a network of contributors and we are pleased to introduce the following....
BONITA BIGHAM
AARON SMALE
ACUSHLA O’CARROLL
Bonita Bigham (Ngāruahine and Te Ātiawa)
Aaron Smale is an award winning writer
Ngāruahine, Ngāti Ruanui, Te Ātiawa
is actively involved within her community
Associate Editor at Mana magazine. He
Also known as Dee, she is busy with te reo
board member, marae trustee and school
has an MA in Creative Writing from Victoria
her partner. This trip is a reward for the
a freelance communications consultant
Media Awards for magazine feature writing
30th year!
people together.
2010 he was named the Cathay Pacific
was born and bred in South Taranaki. She
and photographer who is currently the
as a South Taranaki district councillor, iwi
has worked for various publications and
wānanga, and planning an world trip with
board member. Bonita lives in Manaia, is
University. He has won Qantas/Canon
hard work on the PhD, and to celebrate her
and she loves to weave stories, taniko and
about Māori issues and Social Issues. In
Travel Photographer of the Year for a series of images taken in Cuba. Aaron is married
with two children. He is of Ngāti Porou and pakeha descent.
UPDATES NIKAU LINDEN In Issue 5 we showcased a number of
Recipients that were awarded scholarships. Whenua is pleased to report that 2012 Charles Bailey recipient Nikau Hindin
has recently become a recipient of the 2012/2013 Ngārimu VC & 28th (Māori)
Battalion Memorial Scholarship awards.
The scholarships are awarded annually to
commemorate Second Lieutenant Ngārimu and the 28th (Māori) Battalion.
Associate Education Minister, Dr Pita
Sharples says, “these recipients have
used education as the doorway to realise
their potential. Their identity, language and culture have been critical ingredients in their success.”
Congratulations Nikau.
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The latest information for the next funding round.
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WHENUA MAGAZINE
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77B Devon Street East, New Plymouth. Telephone +64 (6) 758 1863 Email info@istudios.co.nz www.istudios.co.nz
AUDIT PROCESS
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PORT NICHOLSON FISHERIES UPDATE Business has been so busy a new general manager has been appointed. Aaron Smale gives an update.
2013 SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS The three PKW trust major scholarship winners present the essays that supported their applications.
A brief explanation of whats involved for the incorporation.
PARININIHI KI WAITOTARA
ISTUDIOS
EXHIBITION ‘HINEWAITO - JOSIE BIGHAM Celebrating a century of creation-one whanau, six generations with kuia Josie Bigham (Cover Picture).
NEW FARM MANAGERS Meet Tristan Horo and Matt Brittan the lastest additions to the farm management team.
Postal PO Box 241, New Plymouth 4340 Physical Taranaki House, 109 Devon Street West, New Plymouth 4310 Telephone +64 (6) 769 9373 Fax +64 (6) 757 4206 Email office@pkw.co.nz www.pkw.co.nz
NCEA NOTICE
PĀKIHI
07
Editor Dion Tuuta Deputy Editor Amokura Panoho Art Direction Kristy Ramage Photography Quentin Bedwell Graphic Design iStudios Multimedia
WHATEVER IT TAKES Sam Rapira shares insights about making sacrifices to stay inTaranaki.
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT NOMINATIONS An important shareholder notice.
KEEPING IT COASTAL WHANAU DAY Bonita Bingham reports on a successful day in Opunake.
REPORT FROM HALF YEARLY AGM A brief report on the hui held in April.
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NEW DRY STOCK OPERATIONS MANAGER Introducing the most recent management appointment of Andrew Gibson.
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ĀWHINA
CONTENTS
MĀTAURANGA
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RANGATAHI MĀORI AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES Part two report on research from Acushla O’Carroll.
NEW DRY STOCK OPPERATIONS MANAGER AS PKW INCORPORATION CONTINUES TO GROW SO DO THE OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR THE ORGANISATION. THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED ROLE OF DRY STOCK OPERATIONS MANAGER IS A PRIME EXAMPLE. Andrew Gibson may be a third generation dairy farmer but he’s more than happy to leave the milking up to someone else now. Nine years ago he made the switch to becoming a stock agent and hasn’t regretted the move. Having worked for RD1 covering the lower North Island area for the last three years he has had regular dealings selling cattle to Shane Miles (PKW Dairy Operations Manager) and Ranald Gordon (PKW Assets Manager) and is 04 / WHAKAMANA
familiar with the incorporation’s dairy business. With PKW’s dairying business continuing to grow in scale and complexity as a result of the move to managed farms the dairy support side of the farming business has been growing its own dedicated management to drive the business and seek out new opportunities to develop value. Having an excellent eye for livestock, Andrew jumped at the opportunity to take on the new role. “Basically my job is to ensure that PKW’s calf rearing units provide high quality stock for PKW’s growing portfolio of dairy farms and making sure that all dairy
cows grazed out come back to the dairy units in good condition and within acceptable target weight ranges,” says Andrew. “I’m enjoying this new role and being part of the PKW team as it’s a really good staff environment.” Becoming more familiar of what the incorporation represents and the aspirations of the committee of management and shareholders is all part of the learning curve for Andrew but something he feels is a good opportunity for him. “I can see their vision and the growth plan they are undertaking. My job has evolved because of their aspirations and I am keen to learn more about the history and hopefully make a worthwhile contribution to the business.”
REPORT FROM 1/2 YEARLY AGM to produce 2.7 million kgs of milk implementing a more efficient corporate structure, and developing solids for the year and while the people to deliver on PKW’s strategy. 2012/13 dairy season had begun WAS HELD 10AM ON 27 April extremely well the drought was 2013 at TAIPOROHENUI MARAE Hinerangi also gave examples eroding early gains. FOLLOWING A TRADITIONAL of the collaborative work PKW PKW Trust Chair Hinerangi Edwards had undertaken during the year POWHIRI FROM NGĀTI HAMUA updated shareholders on the Trust’s with a range of groups including HAPU. range of educational activities and Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri and The half yearly meeting of introduced presentations from the Iwi Collective Partnership in shareholders is a well-established PKW scholars Matariki Williams, lobster, Todd Energy in terms of tradition within Parininihi ki Waitotara understanding the energy sector Laura Ruawai-Hamilton, Lisa and is used to update shareholders and more close to home – Ngāti Fairclough and PKW’s inaugural and their whanau on progress and PKW-Ravensdown scholarship Tu hapū – where PKW helped news within the various business recipient Te Reimana Marumaru. protect the significant wāhi tapu of activities PKW undertakes. Kaupokonui from potential damage Each scholar gave an overview of from quarrying. their area of study and thanked Approximately 30 PKW shareholders shareholders for the grant and and their whanau members took the PKW Chief Executive Dion Tuuta support they had each received. opportunity to meet with members followed this up with a presentation of the Committee of Management on the performance of the various The next opportunity for and to review the Incorporation’s business units within PKW including shareholders to meet with the performance for the six months from Whenua, Farming, Lobster and Committee of Management will be 1 July 2012 to 31 December 2012. Other Investments. at the Annual General Meeting set down for Saturday 2 November. PKW Chair Hinerangi Raumati gave Shareholders noted the 2012/13 Venue yet to be announced. a presentation outlining the key drought was expected to impact strategic themes PKW was working negatively on PKW Farms Ltd’s milk towards achieving including active production for the year. Dion noted that PKW Farms had budgeted management of PKW’s lands, THE 2013 HALF YEARLY
MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
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IMPORTANT SHAREHOLDERS NOTICE Election to the Committee of Management
Call for Nominations
In accordance with section 22(1) of the Māori Incorporation Constitution Regulations every member of the Committee of Management “shall hold office for a term of 3 years expiring at the end of the annual general meeting held in the third calendar year after the calendar year in which the member was elected….” The member of the Committee of Management who is retiring by rotation in 2013 and is eligible for re-election is Hinerangi Edwards. Nominations must be received at the: PKW Office PO Box 241 New Plymouth 4340 NO later than 5.00pm on 30 August 2013. Please note no nominations shall be received after this date. Nominations for candidates for the Committee of Management must be in writing and signed by both the shareholder proposing the nomination and the proposed nominee. Nominees must provide an electronic photograph and 200 word (maximum) candidate profile setting out why they are seeking election to the Board and the relevant skills and experience they will bring to the Committee. All nominated candidate profiles will be collated and sent to shareholders for their consideration in October as part of the postal voting process.
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INTRODUCING NEW FARM MANAGERS TRISTAN HORO And MATT BRITTAN
TRISTAN HORO When meeting Tristan Horo and his wife Maree you are immediately struck with how young they are. However their youthful looks belie the fact that they have a family of five children themselves and a good ten years of farming experience. Though Tristan grew up in Rahotu his parents Leeanne and Murray Horo weren’t farmers themselves. Not quite sure what to do with himself when he left school Tristan started relief milking in Oeo which turned into a full time farm hand job. Moving to Coromandel to do some fruit picking, he met his wife Maree who is from Paeroa and went back to being a farm assistant in Waihi. They spent a couple of years in Mangawhai, Northland before returning to Bell Block in Taranaki where Tristan has been a farm manager for the last six years.
“We’ve been on a journey to establish our farming career. We love the lifestyle and think it is pivotal to the health and well being of our family”, says Tristan. Not knowing much about PKW Incorporation Tristan did his homework when he started hearing about the moves they were making in the dairy industry.
Maree expects she will be required to help out when needed. “The climate can be very wet during winter and spring”, says Tristan. “Reducing the use of urea on the farm when growing grass and looking at efficient and economic ways of making the farm as productive as possible are the areas I want to be able to make a difference with.”
“It interested me that they had a clear strategy of taking back the ownership and running of our whenua and I Becoming part of a larger farming thought I’d love to be part of the effort business that has a growing reputation to get more young Māori rangatahi back for being a good employer and investing on board with farming”. in their staff is something Tristan feels he Settling into the Glen Road farm as one will take full advantage of. of the newest PKW Farm Managers, Tristan and Maree are happy to have a large home for their children to roam around in. They include Haze 10, Jos 8, Ella 6, toddler Benny 2 ½ and baby Desmond who is nearly 5 months.
Tristan jokes that maybe one out of the five might be a future farmer and its Benny who is showing the most promise as he follows his father around the property. The farm itself is 140ha with 490 cows, a 50 aside herring bone shed and 2.5 labour units, that includes Tristan.
“I want to be able to become more proficient in Te Reo so that I can utilise that in my role, especially within the local community. It will be part of my giving back for the opportunities that have been given to me. To help set the benchmark for what our aspirations should be as a Maori farmer, a Maori business.”
This Page At home with Maree, Tristan, Benny and baby Desmond. Next Page Tristan (Ngāti Haupoto) with young son Benny who enjoys following his father around the farm.
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“IT INTERESTED ME THAT THEY (PKW) HAD A CLEAR STRATEGY OF TAKING BACK THE OWNERSHIP AND RUNNING OF OUR WHENUA AND I THOUGHT I’D LOVE TO BE PART OF THE EFFORT TO GET MORE YOUNG MĀORI RANGATAHI BACK ON BOARD WITH FARMING” - TRISTAN HORO
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Matt Brittan When Whenua turned up to interview Matt Brittan he had literally just been in the job for ten days. With a team all set to go it is evident that there will be a smooth transition for Matt as he takes on the management of one of the larger-scale dairy farms in Taranaki. South Taranaki born and bred Matt has always dreamed of an opportunity to show his worth. Sharemilking for nearly ten years he aspires to one day owning his own farm, but will revel in the opportunity the Tempsky Road farm presents. Featured in Whenua Issue 4, the 221ha (190ha effective) farm was officially opened in July 2012. “We haven’t had a normal day yet”, says Matt with a smile, “but it’s all par for the course. Gary Fredriksen the previous farm manager spent time with us as part of the handover and induction but its full steam ahead.” With James Phillips and Carl Hartigan bringing their respective experience
to his team, Matt is confident PKW Incorporation will benefit from their employment. James will be Matt’s second in charge. He has had seven years experience in farming and has recently returned from Australia. Returning to give his family a better lifestyle and hoping one day to also own his own farm, he saw the opportunity advertised and is pleased it has landed his way. “I think we have the right mix of experience and enthusiasm to support Matt’s plans”, adds James. Carl agrees. He will be still living off the farm with his family in Stratford and is keen to make his contribution. With six years farming experience under his belt including AG ITO training, learning by doing is par for the course. “We are a reasonably young crew and I know that there will be a lot of expectations placed on us to set the benchmark for production. It’s a relatively new farm and we have to still do the basics right like dealing with
the impacts of last summers drought, rearing healthy calves, and all the other things that impact our farm productivity and environmental awareness,” says Matt. Sarah knows her husband will meet the challenge having had experience in pitching in when needed at their previous sharemilking ventures. “I watch him be excited about the job and that makes our family happy for our future”, says Sarah. With the sealed concrete effluent pond completed that has the capacity to hold up to 30 days effluent, meeting the environmental responsibility (kaitiakitanga) of Maori culture embedded in PKW is a priority for Matt. “With this new system up and running we can map effluent and accurately record application rates around the farm. It’s a worthwhile investment that we have to make the most of”. “All waterways on all PKW farms will have riparian plantings and it is
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“WE ARE A REASONABLY YOUNG CREW AND I KNOW THAT THERE WILL BE A LOT OF EXPECTATIONS PLACED ON US TO SET THE BENCHMARK FOR PRODUCTION. IT’S A RELATIVELY NEW FARM AND WE HAVE TO STILL DO THE BASICS RIGHT LIKE DEALING WITH THE IMPACTS OF LAST SUMMERS DROUGHT, GETTING THE CALVING UNIT RUNNING EFFICIENTLY, ALL THE THINGS THAT IMPACT OUR PRODUCTIVITY.” - MATT BRITTAN
continue to grow its productivity and profitability in a sustainable manner. PKW have recently acquired back an With the herd coming together from four adjoining piece of land from the lessee, different sources last season, in its first which gives us the ability to eventually year the farm wintered 570 cows, but milk up to around 750 cows on this this has been increased slightly to 600 farm, but at the moment we want to cows this season. ensure we consolidate the current operation.” The farm is budgeted to produce 230,000kgMS this season, which is “We want to keep this system relatively 1200kgMS/ha. simple. This is the first significant something we are committed to getting completed here as well”, says Matt.
contribution to the Taranaki region and investing in people as well as infrastructure and me and my team are really happy to be involved,” adds Matt.
With a lot of technology around the farm including within the 60-bail rotary shed that is quite impressive and intended to make its operation more efficient Matt understands that they are likely to be visited a lot by either PKW management, business partners or even development PKW have done in the last overseas delegations. The farm has an in-shed feeding five years. It is a good benchmark for system, which is a great tool for “I have worked on a Fonterra research what we do down the track.” mitigating feed deficits, in both a feed farm where visitors are a normal thing”, efficient and environmentally responsible Understanding the aspirations of says Matt. way. the PKW Incorporation is something “We’ll handle it in our stride.” that Matt won’t shy away from either, Shane Miles, PKW Dairy Operations though he didn’t know much about the Manager will continue to oversee the farm as it moves into its second season, importance of the incorporation beyond Previous Page Matt Brittan in foreground, James Phillip (Centre) and Carl Hartigan.This and is excited about the season ahead. its role in the dairy sector. “Our objective with the farm is to
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“They are making a significant
Page Matt with his family Levi (2), Cohen (1) and Sarah.
AUDIT PROCESS Every year PKW’s financial statements undergo an external financial audit
audit exactly?
– but what is an
The annual financial audit is a key process that PKW uses to promote transparency and accuracy in its financial reporting to give shareholders confidence in the organization. A financial audit, or more accurately, an audit of financial statements, is the independent verification of PKW’s annual financial statements. The purpose of an audit is for an independent expert to express an audit opinion which provides shareholders with the assurance that the financial statements are presented
fairly and give a true and fair view of PKW’s financial position.
policies and contractual obligations in line with delegated authorities.
Financial audits are performed by auditors who are experts in financial reporting and the appointment of PKW’s auditor is one of the key shareholder decisions made at the annual general meeting.
After completing the audit process Ernst and Young report directly to the PKW Audit and Risk Committee on their findings and prepare an audit letter which is included in the Annual Report to shareholders setting out their view of the annual financial statements.
PKW’s Auditors are Ernst and Young a globally-respected accounting firm with experience in auditing some of the world’s leading and fastest growing companies. Audit work involves more than just looking at numbers but also involves reviewing the systems PKW uses to make decisions and manage risk. The auditors also look to ensure PKW management is complying with
In terms of the auditor’s final opinion PKW always strives to achieve an ‘Unqualified Opinion’. An Unqualified Opinion means that the auditor’s view has not been reserved or limited by any concerns or issues with the financial accounts.
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11 / PĀKIHI
HANDS-ON MANAGER
of Port Nicholson Fisheries is the sort who finds any excuse to roll his
YEAR IN REVIEW
Which is hardly surprising given
In 2012 PKW bought Port Nicholson Fisheries with its business partners Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri and the Iwi Collective Partnership. Since
his career path. His credentials
And it also helps when dealing with
for the job are his long years at the
the fishermen who are the lifeblood of
coalface of the industry. When
the company and who have plenty of
your CV includes diving for kina
choices when it comes to buyers of
in Foveaux Strait and working on
their catch.
this time the business has been busy
– so busy that it has recruited a new General Manager to oversee the operations. Aaron Smale Reports.
sleeves up and get out of his office.
crayfish boats near Chatham Islands, it’s not surprising he enjoys rubbing shoulders with his staff.
fish. There’s that good interaction. We do it as a team. I don’t like to be stuck behind a desk in front of a computer all day. That’s not my make-up.”
“Fishermen are the key to our operation obviously. They expect a certain quality of service from us
“The thing that attracted me to Port
which if we want to be competitive
When things get busy on the factory
Nicholson is that it’s hands-on. You
with everybody else then you have
floor, you’re unlikely to find Grant
might be tagged the General Manager to supply that. It’s not hard. You
Absalom sitting at his desk reading
but I roll my sleeves up and get in and
just treat people how you want to be
emails. In fact, the new manager
weigh the fish in and help pack the
treated. Customers are the same -
12 / PĀKIHI
you’ve got to supply a good quality
for four years and he worked for Ngāi
Port Nicholson sources its lobster
product consistently. If you give them
Tahu Fisheries for six years before
from. The other two areas are around
a crap product you’re going to get
that. He worked for nearly a decade
Gisborne and from Napier down to
a lower return and you’ll always be
in the Chatham Islands in long-line,
Wellington. Over the last year the
last on the food chain. It’s a bit of a
lobster and other species.
company exported around 220 tons of
juggling match but it’s not that hard.”
“I was very lucky in that I started at the
live lobster. When asked where it’s all going he doesn’t even hesitate with his
“It’s always competitive on the
bottom on the floor bin-washing and
beach when you’re talking about
just worked my way up through the
beach prices. They’ll say ‘so-and-
ranks. That way you get more of the
“It’s built around Chinese New Year
so is paying such-and-such’. Our
practical side. It puts you in the right
and festivals and lucky days. I’m
beach pricing should be competitive
frame of mind for running a business.
learning all about that at the moment.
answer. “China.”
because we’re all selling into the same It’s great to have degrees and all
Eventually I’ll get over to talk to the
market.”
customers in China. It’s on the to-
Grant has got a good grasp of his competitors too – he’s worked for many of them after all. His most recent stint was with Moana Pacific Fisheries
the rest of it, but you can’t beat the
practical side where you know how the do list. That will be in the next 12 whole business works right through the chain.” The Chathams is one of the areas
months.”
>>
Grant Absalom with his hands full of
export lobster
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Grant doesn’t have to worry too much
While Port Nicholson Fisheries is in a
about the customer end of things as
joint venture with a number of players,
the complexities of the Chinese market including Paraninihi Ki Waitotara, Ngāti Mutunga ki Wharekauri and is handled by a broker that Port the Iwi Collective Partnership, Grant Nicholson has dealt with for years. focuses on the job he’s been hired to “We’ve got a broker who sells for us.
do by the board.
He’s been selling for this business for
“It’s all about return. We want to grow
years and years. The customers know him and trust him. He’s a Japanese guy and he’s a good guy to have in the marketplace.”
the business obviously and get our volume up. The more volume we put
through iwi channels.” “It’s been great having Grant join the PNF whānau,” says Dion Tuuta, chief executive of PKW. “His skills, experience and leadership skills are a key asset for the business moving forward.” “Having Grant on board will strengthen our operational focus and
through the lower our overheads
give us the ability to look at ways of
become. We’re hoping to grow it
growing the PNF business.”
“Fishermen are the key to our operation obviously. They expect a certain quality of service from us which if we want to be competitive with everybody else then you have to supply that. It’s not hard... You just treat people how you want to be treated.”
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KEEPING IT COASTAL
Nurturing future leaders and highlighting all that’s great about living, learning and working in Taranaki was highlighted at ‘Keeping It Coastal’ in Opunake in early June, as Bonita Bigham reports. 15 / ĀWHINA
A joint initiative between PKW and Opunake High School, and co-
Brendon Pongia, former basketball Tall Black and television presenter and Piri sponsored by Te Puni Kokiri the whanau Rurawhe from Ratana, who inspired and day brought a wide variety of training entertained the audience with personal providers, community organisations, stories of overcoming challenges and social services and special guests to perseverance. the Sandfords Event Centre on a chilly New Plymouth based Air New Zealand winter Sunday. Fashion Week designer and WHIRI label About 450 members of the coastal and owner Keri Wanoa provided a popular wider Taranaki community attended and insightful overview of her inspiration the event, coming from all around the and passion for fashion design, maunga. including the realities of long hours, hard work often for little financial reward. PKW community development manager Allie Hemara-Wahanui says one of the Professional boxer Sam Rapira shared best outcomes for PKW had been the his story of starting in the sport in his opportunity to collaborate with Opunake 20s and realising that he had found High School on the project. his niche. Sam, who has since won “We wanted to support them in nurturing and growing tomorrow’s leaders,” she says. “Strong leadership is essential for organisations like ours to continue to grow and succeed.” Local role models and community leaders took part in the event, supported by Whanau Ora champions
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his second professional fight, spoke of commitment, dedication and the importance of having whanau support.
being in Auckland and told the audience that the benefits of living in Taranaki far outweigh any negatives. A total of 25 exhibitors took up the opportunity to showcase their organisations, not just to profile what they do, but also promote the range of careers that exist within their particular industries. Allie says it’s often easy to forget the vast range of jobs that can exists within one organisation, like PKW which has a farming focus but also employs people as administrators, financial specialists, consultants and herself with a totally community-based work stream. From her perspective, ‘Keeping It Coastal’ achieved its aim of reminding people of that.
“Raising people’s awareness about the Both Sam and Keri talked about employment and training pathways was following their dreams and that it’s never a priority. too late in life to change directions. “The fact that so many parents and They also emphasised their choice to grandparents not only came, but stayed stay in Taranaki to raise their tamariki in throughout the day and took the time a whanau environment, despite much to talk to so many exhibitors tells us we of their business and training activities succeeded,” says Allie.
Opunake High School principal Maria Potter, who was onsite all day during ‘Keeping It Coastal’ says the event highlighted to her and the school whanau that opportunities really do exist on the coast.
Maori, most of whom whakapapa to iwi around the maunga, so a relationship with PKW supports and reinforces the importance of the proactive approach the school has towards tikanga and reo, both of which are integrated into its daily curriculum.
“Sometimes we can tend to think that we’re quite isolated, but the fact that we All Year 9 and 10 (formerly 3rd and had the range of exhibitors here shows 4th form) students study Māori as a that there are ways and means around compulsory core subject and Māori that.” societal structures provide the social framework within the school. Maria says it was also a fantastic opportunity to meet new people and see new faces that they don’t normally get to see at school events. “Collaborating with PKW on this was a wonderful opportunity and it’s something we would like to build on.” Maria says being able to work on such a progressive and positive project with PKW has set a solid foundation for the school’s relationship with the incorporation, which she sees as a leading example of Maori achievement. About 45% of the student population at Opunake High School identifies as
Form classes have been replaced by whanau groups bringing students of all ages together, the old traditional house system has been overhauled with each student belonging to a hapu and the whole school comes together as an iwi. School as semblies begin with karakia and the school waiata and Māori achievement rates at NCEA level are well above national averages for m any years. Allie says these are s ome of the reasons PKW chose to work with the school.
“After an event like this the challenge is to identify where to from here and this is a conversation we intend to have with Opunake High School.” Allie is also grateful to the wider community which saw value for themselves and their whanau by attending. “The success of this event is a credit to the community. “While we can organise the venue, exhibitors and advertising, the success is always measured by whether the community participates or not – and they certainly came.”
Page 15 Piri Rurawhe (Whānau Ora Champion), Dion Tuuta (PKW CEO), Maria Potter (OHS Principal), Celebrity Guest Brendan Pongia with Neihana Tapiki (OHS Deputy head boy) and Anita Marriott (OHS student). Above Left Brendan Pongia and Neihana Tapiki. Above Right the Sandfords Events Centre in Opunake provided a great venue for exhibitors and visitors alike.
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Whatever it Takes - Sam Rapira Professional boxer, Ngāpuhi, Te Rarawa Making the sacrifices needed to keep his family in Taranaki is all part of the commitment professional boxer Sam Rapira and his partner Jessica have made and it was an important part of his message like the one he has tattooed on his chest, that he shared when speaking at the Keeping It Coastal event in Opunake.
“The message I wanted to share is that it is worth making those sacrifices to give your family the opportunities to live here. You weigh up what the benefits are against the cost of commuting to places like Auckland and as long as you understand what’s involved then you can plan accordingly.”
Being the No.1 ranked amateur light-heavyweight in New Zealand for 2012, captaining the NZ boxing team 3 times, working as Shane Cameron’s sparring partner for his world title fight with Danny Green, taking a Bronze medal win at the Serbian International tournament and being the 2012 “I hadn’t been to Opunake before and I found the community really welcoming,” Taranaki Sportsperson of the Year are just a few of the achievements Sam has said Sam who took his family along for under his belt. the day. When Allie Wahanui-Hemara, PKW Trust Community Development Manager asked Sam Rapira to share his story about being born and bred in Taranaki and what he has done to establish a professional boxing career while living here, he jumped at the opportunity.
Winning is also an important part of his plan and with his first professional win under his belt, Sam is busy preparing for his next boxing event while continuing as the resident personal trainer and Boxmaster trainer at City Fitness in New Plymouth.
“I want to be known as a winner and to be able to show our young people what success looks like”, said Sam. “That’s why I am keen to support events like this and I think that PKW Trust are on the right track as I thought the day was really well put together. Seeing someone like Brendon Pongia mixing it up with the locals was also a highlight.”
Anita Marriott (OHS student) gets into the spirit of the day with Sam Rapira.
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PKW NCEA GRANT
GRANTS FOR NCEA STUDENTS Last year PKW Trust awarded 11 grants to rangatahi, tamariki and mokopuna who were studying unit standards towards their National Certificate in Education Achievement levels 1, 2 or 3. The NCEA grant is a reimbursement of the fees of that certificate. We know there are more than 11 rangatahi in the entire PKW Whanau doing NCEA so come on whānau don’t be afraid to apply.
Opens Monday, 2 September 2013 Closes Friday, 27 September 2013 PURPOSE To support whānau whose tamariki/mokopuna are studying unit standards towards the National Certificate in Education Achievement Level 1, 2 or 3. CRITERIA To be eligible you must be: · Any age · Currently enrolled in a New Zealand School or Kura · Whakapapa to Taranaki · Endorsed by a living PKW Shareholder · Provide confirmation that NCEA fees have been paid
INELIGIBLE · Reimbursement of non-NCEA fees for example; school donations, field and sport trips, stationary, lost library books etc · Students whose fees are paid for by a government agency eg: Study Link, WINZ, Tertiary Education Commission. APPLY BY Go to our website to complete the online form. You must register first before completing the application form. MORE INFO
Contact Allie, Community Development Manager on 06 7699 373 or allieh@pkw.co.nz
HINEWAITO JOSIE BIGHAM EXHIBITION HINEWAITO Celebrating a century of Creation – one whanau, six generations Featuring a collection of artworks that exceeded all expectations to actually showcase seven generations of art from her whānau, from her mother Apihaka and grandmother Ngarere Kipa who lived at up at Katere in Waiwakaiho, to her great great grandchildren Teejae and Carly, Hinewaito Bigham (Ngaruahine and Te Atiawa) graciously allowed herself to become a living centrepiece for an exhibition recently. Whenua caught up with nearly 85 year old Hinewaito, also known as Aunty Josie, shortly after the exhibition opened in May at the Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hawera. Sitting quietly within the gallery she proudly admired the exhibition that had been curated by her daughter Bonita Bigham and granddaughter Lara Ruakere. “We had to wear taniko headbands when we went to school, no hairclips in those days”, she said, holding the remnants of taniko tipare (headbands) woven by her mother Apihaka. The exhibition featured sentimental items that were woven, carved, crocheted or painted where practical applications of wool and materials were a commonplace part of her way of life. Other artworks were contributed from within Aunty Josie’s immediate whanau and included a variety of media, from harakeke (flax) to wool, wood and canvas.
Taranaki category at the Taranaki Art Awards, sponsored by PKW and Tui Ora Ltd. “It was as a result of participating in the Taranaki Art Awards over the last few years that the idea gained traction to create this exhibition. It has become a wonderful opportunity to reconnect to those of our whanau who have gone and show how grateful we are for their influence on those of us who are here now.” Included in the exhibition was a crocheted blanket that adorned the gallery wall. (Pictured left) “My sister Dora was a prolific crocheter,” says Aunty Josie. “She would also make these sack aprons with crochet flowers for us to use at the marae.” Another rainbow inspired crochet blanket made by Hinewaito was a visitor favourite. “That blanket is at least 45 years old and is a very special taonga for us,” says Bonita. Remembering times when kuia at the many marae around Taranaki wore skirts that were crocheted, Aunty Josie learned the hard way that you only crocheted enough to show around the hems of a panikote (skirt). “I actually made a whole crochet skirt but it was so heavy so I never used it,” she laughed. With hands that have plucked many a bird to gather feathers and unraveled tangled skeins of wool showing the signs of aging, Aunty Josie was happy to let the next generations showcase their talents. Bonita wanted to acknowledge her mum’s influence on all their lives.
Included was artwork from her most recent mokopuna tuatoru (great great grandchild) Teejae (1) who lives in Brisbane, as well as a stunning range of raranga harakeke (flax weaving) works from Lara who lives in Hamilton.
“Mum is the link for us, between her mother and grandmother who we never knew and her mokopuna tuatoru she has yet to meet, so we wanted to honour her as the matriarch of our whanau.”
“The chance to bring so many pieces together from at least 100 years of artistic output from within our own whanau is something really special for us,” said Bonita, herself an accomplished taniko weaver, visual artist and recipient of the 2010 Toi Tu
Timed to coincide with Puanga, the Maori New Year, HINEWAITO Celebrating a Century of Creation – One whanau, Six generations was made possible by funding from the South Taranaki District Council Creative Communities scheme.
Above Top The Kawe (Harness) was made by Apihaka and used to carry wood. The whanau believe this weaving to be close to 100 years old. Centre and Bottom Different art mediums that make up the exhibition. Top Left page Kuia Hinewaito Josie Bigham.
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and educating the public about the people and their culture. The lands with historical significance should be maintained and
open for the public to view and appreciate. PKW’s objectives include plans for
furthering itself and its shareholders.
Economic, social and cultural objectives
face PKW, and some balance is required
to ensure progress is made meeting them. These objectives should be prioritized to ensure that progress is made on more
important ones. Economic profit followed 2013 Scholar recipients: Above Left Corey Barnard. Above Right Aroha Rauhihi.
2013 SCHOLAR RECIPIENTS COREY BARNARD CHARLES BAILEY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT Corey as the recipient of the premier PKW scholarship is studing Bachelor of Science and was endorsed by his mother Mary Barnard How can PKW balance its economic, social and cultural objectives?
Parininihi Ki Waitotara (PKW) incorporation has economic, social and cultural
involvements in the Taranaki area. Its
primary business is the administration of 22,000 hectares of farmland in Taranaki.
Revenue is generated through commercial interests, such as dairy farming, forestry
opportunities. More employment options
objective should be maximising profits.
increases in higher education for students.
operating at a high efficiency and enough
needs to be preserved. This prioritization,
existing sites should be improved by
PKW and its shareholders.
of revenue for PKW. The first economic
should be generated, in addition to
This means ensuring all farms are
The culture of ancestral Māori in Taranaki
skilled workers are found. Secondly,
should balance its objectives and benefit
obtaining higher quality technology, and if necessary educating the workers to
increase productivity. The third priority
should be the growth and expansion of
the incorporation. This can be achieved by acquiring more land and cooperating with other businesses.
Social objectives include providing
employment opportunities, increase
education opportunities and improving welfare. The provision of employment
is an important objective and is already being met - PKW’s dairy farms offer jobs across Taranaki. Acquiring more land and building more farms is a way of furthering employment opportunities, and
growth within the incorporation. PKW’s
supported by PKW through the PKW Trust.
employment opportunities and supporting
to students undertaking secondary and
for increasing profits and allowing
is an important objective. Education is
social responsibilities include creating
Scholarships and grants are available
education and welfare. The lands PKW
tertiary study.
in the 1800s, who were ancestors to many of PKW’s shareholders.
This is important as it gives students an opportunity to obtain a high quality education and leads to higher welfare.
The culture of the ancestors should be
More opportunities like this should be given
the lands and items. PKW faces economic,
includes preserving and acknowledging
respected and preserved by maintaining
social and cultural objectives. To balance these objectives, prioritization is needed.
Economic objectives need to be prioritized to maximise profit and stimulate growth. PKW has primary investments in dairy
farming, but also expands into other areas, such as land leasing, crayfish, forestry and commercial property tenanting in
New Plymouth, Waitara and Stratford. 22 / ĀWHINA
leads to higher revenue and increases
Collectively, these make up the sources
and leasing land. Innovation is essential
administers, were confiscated from Maori
by growth should be primary, as this
where possible. One cultural objective the Taranaki heritage. Māori people of Taranaki had their lands confiscated in the 1800s. The lands were returned in 1976, prompting the establishment of PKW. The majority of shareholders of PKW are descendants of those people, and therefore it is important that their culture be acknowledged and preserved. This can be achieved by displaying items in museums,
How does your chosen area of study
contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whānui?
My chosen area of study is Computer Science. Computer Science involves
solving real world problems, with the help of computers and computer programs. It uses logic and computation, with
processes to find solutions to problems,
whether it be mathematical or a problem in some other domain. Specializations exist in areas such as computer architecture, software systems, graphics, artificial
intelligence, computational science and software engineering. In modern society, computer technology is common place. Mobile phones, televisions, appliances and cars all contain computers in some form or another. Computer Science can contribute back to PKW and Taranaki whanui because of the technical innovation the subject makes possible. Computer Science has applications in virtually all areas, such as medical research, physics, chemistry, communications and more. PKW is largely involved in dairy farming, which is an area which computer science can be applied. Computer models can be created to simulate various effects on dairy farms, such as climate change or could be used for optimization. Other areas Computer Science could be useful is in developing farming management software. Such software could ease the management of stock, milk production, financial information, etc.
AROHA RAUHIHI
continuing diminishing numbers. With Māori being clearly over represented in out-migration, the impact of the negative Graduate Diploma of Teaching push factors need to be seriously How does your chosen area of study considered. This begins as a whānau contribute back to PKW and Taranaki problem, especially for those whānau such whānui? as my own, with a 96% majority residing in Australia, with a lack of representation As a student of the Graduate Diploma If PKW is serious about taking a long or at times of illness and tangihanga. The in Teaching (ECE) at The University of term view, then the organisation will well problem is accentuated at the next level Auckland, my chosen area of study will recognise the relevance of my field of study of hapū, with diminishing numbers being enable me to effectively contribute to PKW and the profession to its inter-generational left managing the marae and representing and Taranaki whānui in various ways. goals. on governance boards. The problem compounds and becomes more complex Firstly, successful completion of this MARY JONES at tribal and iwi level due to numerous qualification will give me a wealth of POST GRAD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT responsibilities, limited resources, lack of professional knowledge in ECE. I will Masters of Business Administration representation and continuing diminishing develop knowledge related to ECE learning numbers of tribal members. theories, pedagogy, specific content How does your chosen area of study knowledge, curriculum and goals and contribute back to PKW and Taranaki The sustaining of ahi kaa has no formal objectives. This will complement my whānui? process and would vary widely between cultural competencies as a life-long learner whānau, hapū and iwi. Many would “Mo tātou, a, mo ka uri a muri ake nei – For of Te Reo Māori who lives in Taranaki and be at a loss if suddenly faced with the us and our children after us” is committed to Taranaki Māori community responsibility of having to reclaim ahi development. This whakatauaki remains the underlying kaa, or re-connecting with their whānau, heart of whānau, hapū and iwi, capturing whakapapa or whenua. I am already applying my initial learning’s the very essence of who we are and who and cultural skills in a training position Therefore, the retention of whakapapa, we are to become. It is our responsibility within the teaching team of Te Kōpae whenua and traditional knowledge is to uphold the legacy of our tipuna for if Piripono. Te Kōpae Piripono is an early endangered. Hopefully, the development only not to lose sight of our identity. It childhood and whānau identity-based of a framework to sustain ahi kaa could continues to be my motivation to complete community development initiative that has mitigate this problem for many, to enable my MBA degree which I hope will equip an absolute commitment to Whānau Ora individuals and whānau, to collate, me with the appropriate skills to be of for Taranaki Māori. Te Kōpae Piripono preserve, easily access, review, re-assess, benefit to my whanau, hapu and iwi. I have was established in 1994 and is recognised and retain their whakapapa (ancestry) and particular interest in maximising the use of as one of the most progressive Māori whenua tipu (ancestral land) for future resources to invest in enterprises as well as immersion ECE’s in the country, as generations. community development, in order to create evidenced by the awarding of a ‘Centre opportunities for whanau whanui, now and “Whatu ngarongaro he tangata, toitū he of Innovation’ grant in 2008. Te Kōpae is whenua” committed to whānau development and the in the future. maintenance and revitalisation of Taranaki “Man perishes, but the land remains” As this is the final year of my MBA reo and tikanga. qualification, I will undertake a research I agree that while the ‘push factor’ drive project which I intend to focus on “The When I am fully qualified I expect to Māori overseas, and the ‘pull factor’ of Development of a framework to sustain perceived opportunities encourages them continue to contribute as a member of Ahi Kaa.” This is in direct response to to stay, it is New Zealand’s ‘push factor’ the Kōpae teaching team and will work ‘Māori Diaspora’ - which refers to the that discourages their desire to return towards providing leadership in Taranaki substantial increase in outward migration home. Māori early childhood education in the of Māori leaving New Zealand, and more future. Less than a year ago, I considered the task significantly migrating to Australia. This of leading my whānau home overwhelming phenomenon began to accelerate during Taranaki Māori who are highly skilled and and virtually impossible. However, the the late 1980’s as many Māori left New qualified in early childhood education and creation of a framework to sustain ahi Zealand in search of better economic are competent in Taranaki reo and tikanga kaa will enable us to capture, articulate, opportunities and a higher standard of have an important role to play in enabling living – most often in response to the ‘push share and realise a collective vision for our our kōhungahunga to become confident whanau, enabling us to gain traction and and competent learners of the world and factor’ or declining economic and social achieving their full potential as Taranaki start moving forward together. opportunities available to them in New Māori. Zealand. If New Zealand policy makers are unable or Secondly, my role as a well-educated unwilling to create ‘pull factors’ to re-ignite It is critical to understand the extent of Māori out-migration, mainly because Taranaki ECE teacher and potential leader the desire for many Māori to return home in 2008 one in six Māori lived outside will be important for future generations then it is up to Māoridom to create our very New Zealand, and now one in five with of Taranaki Māori. This is entirely aligned own. POST GRAD SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
with the wider objectives of PKW which go beyond land-based business ventures and economic objectives. That is, the objectives of PKW that are concerned with making inter-generational contributions to Taranaki Māori cultural and social development.
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HELLO!
Rangatahi MAori and social networking site NĀ ACUSHLA DEE O’CARROLL NGĀRUAHINE, NGĀTI RUANUI, TE ĀTIAWA A.D.OCarroll@massey.ac.nz
PART TWO
The researcher is currently completing her PhD thesis entitled “Kanohi ki te kanohi, a thing of the past? An examination of whanaungatanga, tuakiri and tikanga in social networking sites”. Whanaungatanga (attaining and maintaining relationships) as a concept is a customary Māori practice enabling kin to strengthen relationships and ties between one another and entrench responsibilities as whānau (family). Increased use of Internet and social networking sites (SNS) by Māori provides alternative methods for forging and maintaining relationships, making this process more accessible for kin and those who do not have genealogical connections, but are linked through a common purpose to share, engage and interact with each other. The wider study of this article discusses the concept of whanaungatanga from both customary and contemporary perspectives providing analyses into how relationships are attained and maintained through SNS. Whanaungatanga, to a certain extent, has undergone a shift in meaning and practice. With new technologies available to us, ways of communicating
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and interacting have increased to the point where relationships can be forged and maintained between whānau, peers and groups for a range of different purposes via SNS such as Facebook. “I don’t know what I would do without it. When you’re away from home if you’re not in regular contact with whānau and friends you feel disconnected. Social networking allows you to stay in contact with friends and whānau as if you were there with them. You can see what they’ve been up to, and how things have changed since you left, or not. You can talk instantly, keeping your relationships intact”
–Survey respondent Whanaungatanga as a practice has changed from being a conduit only for whānau members to connect and strengthen ties to moving beyond whakapapa and including people with a common purpose for building a relationship. In this way, whanaungatanga is more aligned with terms such as socialising, hanging out and bonding. Data and analyses presented in the wider study articulate and acknowledge a virtual form of whanaungatanga as a practice in SNS amongst Māori. Drawn from
McNatty (2001) and Edwards’ (2009) whanaungatanga models, a revised model of virtual whanaungatanga was conceptualised. This revised model, while practical in virtual spaces, remains rooted in its foundational principles of whakapapa, kaupapa, wairuatanga, kotahitanga, manaakitanga, aroha and kare ā-roto. The whanaungatanga concept applied in SNS appears to be much more informal and applied to many more contexts and situations than it might have been when whakapapa was the driving principle and/or when whanaungatanga was only possible in face to face situations. It offers a concept and processes that Māori engage with as they work at relationships in SNS enabling them to form connections and strengthen ties with others in culturally recognisable ways. Despite not having the physical human touch when practising whanaungatanga in SNS, emotions continue to be felt and expressed by users, providing a sense of meaningful interactions. Relationships are cared for and nurtured through the processes of whanaungatanga and without it the myriad social interactions that constitute community life would suffer.
KIA ORA!
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