Media Release: Iwi Progress Social Development Strategy in Te Hiku

Media Release: Iwi Progress Social Development Strategy in Te Hiku

For Immediate Release

The Te Hiku Iwi Development Trust established as a result of Treaty Settlements in the Far North has formed a partnership with MSD and will be leading out a number of new initiatives in Te Hiku over the coming months.

The Trust currently embodies three of the five Far North Iwi, Te Aupouri, Ngati Takoto and Te Rarawa, with accommodation for Ngati Kuri and Ngati Kahu to participate in the future. The Trust is accountable to each of the iwi authorities, and its role is to engage and develop a partnership relationship with the Crown to improve the wellbeing of Far North communities.

Northland has a high level of depravation and this is an iwi response to addressing those concerns. The Trust has been tasked by the iwi to facilitate the implementation of the Te Hiku Iwi Social Development and Wellbeing Accord around housing, education, welfare, justice, health and employment, through the partnership established with 11 Government Departments.

At the recent signing of portfolio agreement in Wellington in June, a secretariat was established which is chaired by the new MSD Regional Commissioner, Eru Lyndon and Te Hiku Iwi representative Rangitane Marsden.

“I think it’s an opportunity to do things better, in a creative way and work outside the traditional departmental square, that haven’t achieved the outcomes that we’ve desired for our people.” Say Rangitane Marsden.

“This new relationship will allow us to hugely influence how services are delivered in Te Hiku and allow us to measure the progress and outcomes on an annual basis with Ministers and Heads of Departments, which has never happened before.” he adds.

Te Hiku Iwi gather in Wellington to sign Social Development Accord with 11 Government Departments

The Far North can expect to see new initiatives being launched in the coming period which will take an outcomes based approach to firstly identify the needs of our communities, and then develop a response to addressing any concerns.

This approach is about moving beyond the rhetoric speeches of pending change, and focuses on actions and real outcomes for our people.” says Rangitane.

ENDS

Media Contact: Piripi Moore 0272511915