Hon Te Ururoa Flavell

Minister for Māori Development

Minita Whanaketanga Māori

10 September 2015 Media Statement

Three new appointees to Waitangi Tribunal

Māori Development Minister, Te Ururoa Flavell, has announced the appointments of three new members to the Waitangi Tribunal.

Dr Hauata Palmer, Derek Lardelli and Bill Wilson QC will join the Tribunal along with 13 other members who have also been reappointed.

“I am confident the new members will work well with the reappointed members as they continue their work across the motu and will give continuity to the high calibre work of the Tribunal.”

In addition, Minister Flavell said he was pleased to confirm the reappointment of Chief Judge Wilson Isaac as the Chairperson of the Tribunal.

“Chief Judge Isaac has been at the helm since 2009, and has provided invaluable leadership to the Waitangi Tribunal. His ability to maintain confidence with key groups involved in the Tribunal process and his extensive knowledge acquired as Chairperson is respected and important to the claims hearings,” Mr Flavell said.

Ērima Hēnare was also acknowledged for his commitment to the Waitangi Tribunal following his passing earlier this year. Mr Hēnare was appointed to the panel in 2014 and brought a depth of skill to his role says the Minister.

“Ērima was an acknowledged authority on traditional and modern history – both Māori and non-Māori – and held a number of public, advisory and educational sector posts. His contribution was greatly valued.”

New appointments to the Waitangi Tribunal are:

Dr Hauata Palmer is a well-respected kaumātua from Ngāi Te Rangi and he holds a honourary Doctorate in Philosophy. He worked for the Department of Māori Affairs for several years before returning home to work for his hapū and iwi in the Tauranga region.

Derek Lardelli (Ngāti Porou, Rongowhakaata) is an expert in moko, kapa haka, tribal history and whaikōrero. He has been a cultural advisor for numerous groups including the All Blacks and New Zealand’s Olympic team. He lives in Gisborne and is an Associate Professor at Toihoukura, School of Māori Arts at the EIT Tairāwhiti campus.

Bill Wilson QC has extensive experience in public and private law. He was a Queen’s Council from 1996 to 2007, a Court of Appeal Judge from 2007 before being appointed to the Supreme Court in 2008. He resigned in 2010 to practise as an arbitrator, mediator and legal adviser. He has previously served on the Waitangi Tribunal from 1986 to 1995.

Reappointments to the Waitangi Tribunal are:

Wilson Isaac

Dr Aroha Harris

Basil Morrison

Dr Monty Soutar

Tania Simpson

Tureiti Moxon

Miriama Evans

Professor Rawinia Higgins

Professor Pou Temara

Ronald Crosby

Dr Angela Ballara

David Cochrane

Sir Hirini Moko Mead

ENDS

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