Call for Tainui to spend on needy

Tuku Morgan

A former chairman of one of the country's wealthiest iwi, Tainui, has called for greater spending of swelling tribal coffers on those most in need within the tribe.

Former New Zealand First MP Tuku Morgan, speaking on the eve of the Tainui festival, a cultural and sporting event expected to attract more than 10,000 members to the tribe's headquarters in Hopuhopu, near Ngaruawahia, said more spending on cultural and social initiatives was required.

He has called for the development of a retirement village at the tribe's headquarters, and for the creation of a sports academy to harness the talents of the tribe's young sportspeople.

"Until now the emphasise has been on academic scholarships and marae grants.

"There has been little focus on our old people and the young."

Last year the tribe posted a profit of more than $20 million, increasing its asset worth to almost $300 million. More then $7 million was targeted for cultural and social spending this year.

Mr Morgan, who is vying for a place on the tribe's board at elections later this month, estimates the cost of the development at around $7 million.

"We need to ask ourselves, what is unique about Tainui, what are we doing for our young and our old.

"There has been strong focus on commercial enterprise. Now we must also consider cultural and social needs."

The call is likely to stimulate debate among the thousands expected for the two-day Tainui festival, which starts on Saturday.

The event, held once every two years, is a highlight of the tribe's social calendar with participants from the tribe's 66 marae competing in events ranging from tug-of-war, netball and table tennis, to pig-hunting. Musical and kapa haka performances, fashion shows and a kaumatua ball are other highlights.

Tainui chairman Kingi Porima said the festival was a time to bring the tribe together to celebrate.

"We have had a very good couple of years. It is good that our people come together to celebrate."

While supporting Mr Morgan's proposal he urged caution in the spending of tribal money.

Mr Porima said the board had to consider all of the tribe's 50,000 beneficiaries when deciding how money was spent.

He said a committee was investigating social and cultural initiatives, and would report back to the board.

"Any changes to our cultural and social spending will be something for the new board to consider," said Mr Porima.

The tribe's parliament, Te Kauhanganui, will vote on a new board at elections on February 25, where 22 candidates are vying for 10 seats on the 11-member board. The Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, appoints the 11th member.