Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: New Maori leaders needed

If the Martians had landed last week at Ngaruawahia they would have concluded that the indigenous people of New Zealand - assuming they know where they've landed and what indigenous means - the Maori, are a tribe of the aging male species.

That was certainly the look of the front rows of tribal leaders present at the meeting, called by the Maori King Tuheitia, to talk, listen and debate the issues surrounding water.

Who can claim ownership or who has proprietary rights? Maori contend that in some circumstances they can lay claim to either or both.

At the meeting it was definitely "spot the younger men and women" in that line-up under 60 years of age. I actually thought maybe less than 70 years might be nearer the mark, but I'm erring on the side of kindness as some people "look older on TV than in real life". Of course we know that kaumatua and tribal leaders are important to their iwi. Not just for their personal mana and integrity but for their knowledge of the tribe's history and whakapapa links with other iwi. They are the "face that is seen" and this role cannot be underestimated.

They have been around for decades and weathered many storms as they've tried to keep hold of, and develop, what was left of their tribal estate. And the tribe's tino rangatiratanga was not to be compromised. As with elders before them, there would have been years filled with frustration. Making little or no progress to develop their lands and without the ensuing social and economic advancement. Always short of the money required. But their long-held belief and commitment to the place of Maori in their own country prevented them from bowing out. It was not an option.

But over recent years things have changed. It's a whole new ball game now. And I believe complementary but different skills to those of the old Maori leader are now required. There comes a point where "it is not the length of time you have been around but your ongoing contribution that needs to be evaluated".

I doubt whether this straight talking will occur though. It is easier to shy away than address the place of kaumatua and elder involvement in strategic tribal development. Mustn't be seen as disrespectful. It's as if they need to be closeted and protected from hearing some truths and being exposed to a reality check. Let's be clear. They have made their contribution but as with most things there is a certain "shelf life".

Maori talk a lot about succession planning but unless there is a clear process put in place, and followed, it never happens. It's just all talk. Part of the process must include the "bowing out gracefully" of older tribal leaders. And here's the rub, they're reluctant to go!

Things have changed rapidly, and not just within Maori society; on the social, economic, cultural and environmental fronts. Added to these are the technological, science and research changes and we now have a full smorgasbord of areas for concern, discussion and wider debate.

So the need to bring on younger Maori leaders must happen a lot earlier than in past years. Men and women alike.

So who will determine when the time is right? Shareholders of major iwi assets, when they vote annually at AGMs, know the value of having young, ambitious tribal members, from a variety of backgrounds, sitting at the board table.

But why just the board room? It would be inspiring to see a line up at Ngaruawahia in five years, where the front rows are full of "40 something" men and women. Leaders from throughout Maoridom who reflect the makeup of Maori society today. When young Maori do not see themselves reflected at the top table, or as part of their tribal leadership, they disengage.

And those who get overlooked get snapped up by pakeha organisations who realise, "it's not who you are and how long you've been around that matters today, but whether you are continuing to make an effective contribution".