The husband of a Cabinet minister will broker a series of talks with Maori on the Government's partial asset sales plan.
Sir Wira Gardiner, who is married to Education Minister Hekia Parata, was today announced as the "facilitator" of a series of hui to consult with Maori on legislative changes for the partial float of four state-owned enterprises.
"We promised to talk with iwi when we originally announced plans to partially sell the four energy companies and Air New Zealand last year," Finance Minister Bill English said.
"We want to understand Maori views before we take final decisions."
State-Owned Enterprises Minister Tony Ryall said specific investment opportunities would not canvassed at the hui, but iwi investment on a commercial basis would be welcomed.
Support for asset sales among iwi is dwindling. The Maori Party switched positions on the issue and now oppose the sales. Tuku Morgan came out in support of the Maori Party’s position so, presumably, he opposes the sales too. Ngai Tahu’s Mark Solomon appears to be the only iwi leader left interested. The other members of the Iwi Chairs Forum have not stated their positions, at least not publicly. However, we can probably assume Mana Party supporter Professor Margaret Mutu opposes the sale. Ngati Porou are directing their treaty resources towards agriculture, forestry and science and innovation. So, I would assume, Apirana Mahuika will not lend Ngati Porou’s support for asset sales. I’m not prepared to take a stab at the positions of the other leaders, but their positions aren’t that important anyway. Ngai Tahu and Tainui are the only iwi with any chance of getting a decent slice, and even then they will have to pool their resources.
Of course, iwi politics will prevent an iwi consortium forming. Tuku Morgan, who first floated the idea of forming an iwi conglomerate, cannot control his own table let alone a dozen more. Toxic politics affects most iwi and will undermine efforts to form a functioning and sustainable company.
Hopefully the iwi leaders, or whoever turns up to these consultation hui, voice the position of the majority of Maori – no asset sales.
Why do you think he is an elitist?
ReplyDeleteWira Gardiner is, what one would impolitely label, the house nigger. Gardiner, or Sir Gardiner, is the brown face sent out to collect the brown rubber stamp. Gardiner will hit the road and gather the answers his masters want to hear. The government can then pass off his work as "engaging with Maori", "listening to Maori concerns" and so on.
ReplyDeleteLabour used him to "consult" with Maori re the foreshore and seabed. The result was a sham. Labour also, in what was a dark day for Maori, used Gardiner in the Ngawha prison case in the High Court. Gardiner was used as a Crown witness to contradict the tikanga and whakapapa claims of Ngapuhi experts. Gardiner is not Ngapuhi. Gardiner misrepresented Ngapuhi tikanga and gave an incorrect account of Nga Puhi whakapapa. He did so on behalf of the Crown. This is why the National government like to use him as well - he does whatever you tell him to do. So long as you wave some cash under his nose.
The man has done more harm to Maori than many others I can think of.
ka tika taau korereo e hoa
DeleteWira? OMG too funny. Tuku? Even funnier. If these two underperforming goons are the future and present of Maori leaders then little wonder as a Group Maori lag behind.
ReplyDeleteAnd you are right to call Wira a house nnnn. Tuku as well. Both are well known for doing what is best for Wira and Tuku which means what their white masters tell them in exchange for cash or favors.
Wira is the husband of a cabinet Minister and hopelessly conflicted. Hopeless being the operative word.
So, so true.
ReplyDeleteI don't think there is any good reason to call someone that - unless you're Malcolm X that is - the argument is strong enough without going there IMO
ReplyDeleteNot only are you being disingenuous - your remarks are offensive.
ReplyDeleteWira Gardiner was previously an lieutenant-colonel of the NZ Army. No mean feat. CE of Te Puni Kokiri. No mean feat.
If you knew this man he would not accept 'mates backslapping' appointments. He has integrity and honor. And because he has the history and success as a business person - he would have anticipated crap like this from his detractors. And knowing Wira he will laugh at your stupidity.
Sure he fronted the treaty settlements fiscal envelope for the government. Sure he lost his temper when he was personally challenged and faced outrageous offensive remarks (as are yours) for his position. Who else would have taken that job at the time? I doubt you would have even existed at the time. It took courage and belief to take to the road with that policy. It was toxic. In fact any Maori public servant at that time faced hostility from both white and brown citizens. It was a sea-change that needed to occur.
Wira Gardiner has my support and vote - he did during those hostile times and he continues to do so.
When has there been any other than 'white masters' in our history? We all have 'white masters'. The university you attend has 'white masters' - as does your bank and insurance company. Grow up Morgan.
What a sob story, Chris. Wow, he was in the Army. Wow, he was the CE of TPK. Is this some sort of qualification for respect? Wira has a history of selling out his own people. His record ends there.
ReplyDeleteFair point, Marty.
ReplyDeleteWriting from the American South, I can tell you to not go there. You don't want to invite that kind of damage, no matter how ardent your political leanings.
ReplyDeleteApologies here:
ReplyDeletehttp://mauistreet.blogspot.co.nz/2012/01/apologies.html
Anyone that would sell their ancestral whenua and round up the disenfranchised votes at the behest of corporate government IS a slave no matter how many wars he fought in, what's more - he should know better than to betray our (I am Maori) ways for 20 pieces of silver - damned Judas.
ReplyDeleteit's my belief that all those who sit at the head of maori iwi are sell outs! i have yet to see any money from the 500 000 000 giv en to ngai tahu filter down to us minions.as for the puppets who dance to government....governments dance to corporations who in turn dance for the rothschilds,rockefellas and such familys who own 90% of the worlds wealth.
ReplyDeleteThank you Morgan. My sentiments exactly. Wira Gardiner is the epitome of House nigger and for the older more sensitive audience, a House 'slave'. As for a Judas? That is a little harsh don't you think? Judas appeared to have a conscience that in the end tormented him to death. Can't say Wira will possess such a capacity as history would show. Everyone has both good and evil masters yes. I guess the thing is we have the free will to serve one more than the other and in the end be owned by your selection.
ReplyDeleteI was there Chris, when 99% of Maori said no and he still managed to find that 1% who said yes. End game for the fiscal envelop because Wira is a Systems Man who believes Maori need to engage in that system or we miss out. I know he is an honest man with integrity but as is pointed out here, whenever Government want to sell Maori a line, they know who to call. He told me he only takes orders, never gives them and in this case, his orders aren't coming from Maori...
ReplyDelete