Māori & Pasifika News: Niue Recieves Public Sector Funding, Ngāi Tahu Sells Forestry Rights, Māori Stand Strong for Indigenous Rights at UN

Words by

Te Huihui o Matariki Chi Huy Tran (he/him) | Taranaki Tūturu, Te iwi o Maruwharanui, Ngāti Maniapoto

Ashleigh Putt-Fallows (she/her/ia) | Ngāti Whātua, Ngāpuhi-Ngāti Hine, Tūhoe

Niue Receives Tautoko Through Funding from Aotearoa

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters has announced New Zealand's commitment to support Niue's public sector with $13 million over the next five years. This funding pledge marks the culmination of a Pacific tour by a New Zealand delegation, which included high-level discussions with Niue's political leaders and a visit aboard a New Zealand-funded search and rescue vessel. Reflecting on the enduring 50- year free association between New Zealand and Niue, Peters expressed optimism about enhancing Niue's human and economic development through strengthened governmental capacity and financial management systems.

Ngāi Tahu Sells West Coast Forestry Rights

Ngāi Tahu Holdings is selling the harvesting rights of its West Coast forest estate in a joint venture with Fiera Comox. The 35-year cutting right covers 45,500 hectares between Westport and Franz Josef. The land remains under Ngāi Tahu ownership and will revert back after one rotation. This move aims to free up capital while maintaining oversight. Approximately 225,000 cubic metres of softwoods are harvested annually, supporting both domestic and export markets. The deal awaits approval from the Overseas Investment Office

Māori Wāhine and Rangatahi Stand Strong for Indigenous Rights at United Nations

Dr. Valmaine Toki, a distinguished law professor and descendant of Ngāti Rehua, Ngāti Wai, and Ngāpuhi has been appointed to a leading position within the United Nations to advance indigenous rights. Named chair of the Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, her appointment was announced during the UN Expert Mechanism's 17th session, gathering over 700 indigenous participants in Geneva. Toki, who currently teaches at the University of Waikato, has been actively involved in international indigenous rights issues since 2022 and previously served on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues as the first New Zealander and Māori appointee. Her leadership in advocating for indigenous legal systems and rights signifies a significant milestone for Māori representation on the global stage.

Alongside her is ranagatahi Māori representative from Ngā Rangatahi-A-Iwi, aiming to inspire other youth to step forward. Ngā Rangatahi-A-Iwi and Tikanga Pou are presenting submissions on recent changes in Aotearoa. Shae Brown, representing Ngā Rangatahi-A-Iwi, emphasizes the importance of rangatahi voices in issues like Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The trip, privately funded and endorsed by indigenous organizations, includes representatives Pania Newton and Jason Mareroa. Brown hopes her experience will encourage more youth involvement in indigenous rights advocacy.