New Zealand Maori Council notes

Tu Tangata, Issue 17, 1 April 1984, Page 2

New Zealand Maori Council notes

Discussion at the March quarterly meeting of the NZMC mainly centered on Maori Council support for Maori International.

Professor Whatarangi Winiata in his role as cultural development advisor to the council had prepared a report asking the council to clarify its position regarding Maori International and the takeover of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute in Rotorua.

After much discussion a resolution was carried, “that the New Zealand Maori Council confirms its support in principle for Maori International.”

A second resolution was passed, “that the Council supports the takeover of the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute by Maori International”. Opposing the resolution were Manu Paul, Waiariki delegate and Whata Winiata, Raukawa delegate. Two districts, WaikatoManiapoto and Wellington, abstained.

The idea of a Maori Cultural Foundation also came up for discussion at the council meeting.

It’s proposed that government funding and maori funding be pooled together to promote the Maori arts rather than the present system that channels cultural funding to the Queen Elizabeth Arts Council and then through to the

Council of Maori and South Pacific Arts. The chairman of QE 11, Sir Michael Fowler addressed the Council about how the present system works. He opposed any change.

The President of the Maori Wardens Association, Peter Walden then reported on the state of the wardens work throughout the country and asked for Council support for increased funding for maori wardens.