Media Release
28 October 2008

Ten years on – the house of Ngāpuhi stands firm

An independent review of Te Rūnanga-Ā-Iwi-O-Ngāpuhi’s governance and operations over the past decade has found a high performing organisation, Chair Sonny Tau announced today.

Mr Tau said the Rūnanga – which today represents 120,000 Ngapuhi – had achieved a very good report card.

“The reviewers commented on the skilled and capable management and leadership team, solid financial performance and a structure that has changed to meet the challenges of the external environment.”

The 2008 review was conducted by Rotorua-based APR Consultants. It took three months to complete, and covered all aspects of the $35m organisation.

In 1998 a damning review signalled an organisation that failed many of the usual measurements of a healthy organisation. Mr Tau said Ngāpuhi were promised by their Rūnanga that a comprehensive external review would be held in ten years to monitor progress.

“Our team has achieved the herculean task of rebuilding the Rūnanga. Ngāpuhi whānau can be proud. We have done this with scarce resources, but we are the first to admit there is still much to be done.

“This review endorsed our strategic direction and encouraged us to keep moving forward, while also identifying areas that need our attention.

“Pressure points such as long term capital planning, communications with our iwi members and alignment of activities were identified.

Other key recommendations included:

 Formalising a Kaumātua and Kuia Council to assist governance
 Strengthening the Human Resource and Communications capability
 Enhancing hapū, marae and Takiwa/Taurahere capacity and development

Said Mr Tau: “We are working hard to ensure that the recommendations from the report will be implemented by mid 2009.”

The report is available on the website: www.ngapuhi.iwi.nz.

ENDS

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