The shrinking global pa

Tu Tangata, Issue 31, 1 August 1986, Page 22

The shrinking global pa

na Glenys Hopkinson (Ngai Tahu, Ngati Huirapa Ngati MamoeJ

In a breakaway from traditional scientific meetings, DSIR’s top scientists and administrators have met with Maori leaders to discuss ways of bringing a bicultural perspective to DSIR science.

The DSIRs Mt Albert Research in Auckland was the venue.

The meeting was called on the initiative of the DSIR in order to broaden the context within which the DSIR operates and to exchange knowledge with the Maori people.

Assistant director of the DSIR’s entomology division, Dr Oliver Sutherland, who was co-ordinator of the meeting, said the meeting was one of the most important steps taken by the DSIR for a long time.

Guests included, Sir Graham Latimer and the former Minister of Maori Affairs, the Hon. Matiu Rata, who is chairperson of Te Hapua 42 Incorporation.

Other guests included the professor of Maori studies at Auckland University, Professor Hugh Kawharu, chairperson of the Huakina Trust, Nganeko Minhinnick, chairperson of the Auckland District Maori Council, Dr Ranginui Walker and Maori co-ordinator for Carrington and Oakley hospitals, Titewhai Harawira.

The DSIR representatives, as well as Dr Ellis, included assistant directorgeneral, Dr John Troughton, entomology director, John Longworth, horticulture and processing director, Dr Rod Bieleski and former director, Dr Ted Bollard.

Dr Troughton called for an exchange of information and technology.

“From earliest times there have been waves of technology arriving in New Zealand,” he said. “A lot of Maori technology is home-grown and unique. We would like to share with you the contribution we can make to your development.

“The information the DSIR has, has the potential to have an impact on agriculture, fish, land and soil.

“We are well aware we co-inhabit a shrinking global village. Both parties will benefit from an exchange of knowledge that can assist us to live together.”

Several Maori speakers urged the DSIR to take the Maori people “aboard” and make them equal partners. They called for more Maori staff at the DSIR, a Maori consultant or kaumatua at the Mt Albert Research Centre, the establishment of cadetships and studentships and for all DSIR staff to take Maori studies.

Mr Rata said the DSIR had established its professional integrity and that should not, in any way, be threatened.

“What we seek is the opportunity, after 145 years, to see the work reflect a truly New Zealand character.

“I do suggest real practical steps. It is not enough to say the Maori is seen as an integral part of the activity. “Of the 2,200 staff members I would hope to have 220 Maori staff as scientists, typists and in every other job.” Professor Kawharu said he was alarmed at the prospect of the value systems of an organisation with a staff of more than 2000, without Maori representation.

“The Maori version of the Treaty of Waitangi, if taken as the basis of national policy, requires incorporating Maori values into public, parliamentary, judicial and executive systems. “Justice will be in jeopardy until those values, by which the laws of the country are designed, include Maori values.” Chairman of the East Coast Research and Development Association, Sir Norman Perry, of the Whakatohea Maori Trust, said scientists and the Maori people were ready “to climb new peaks”. The Maori understanding of conservation and regeneration was far better than some of those regulations designed by fishing, scientific or Government bodies, he said. Some Maori seaweed harvesting was more advanced than European methods. “The New Zealand coastline is like an unharvested hay paddock,” said Sir Norman. Ms Harawira called on the DSIR to honour the Treaty of Waitangi and make the Maori people equal partners in the decisions being made about land, water and people. “Take on our people today so we

can be alongside you as you write your reports,” she said. Dr Ellis pointed out that the DSIR was not an affluent department, and was not funded by the Government to provide education or training programmes. But he said the DSIR could talk with the

Education and Maori Affairs departments about these matters. Dr Ellis was confident the DSIR would be able to help the Maori people in such areas as fish, soil and horticulture. In response to a call from Mr Rata, to create a new bi-cultural DSIR, Dr Ellis said: “We are what we are. We are changing, learning. I think we‘ve learnt a lot from this meeting.” The two groups agreed to hold future

meetings on the marae.

Present at the meeting 1. Sir Graham Latimer, Chairperson, New Zealand Maori Council. 2. Ms Nganeko Minhinnick, Chairperson, Huakina Trust. 3. Mr Peter Rikys, Consultant to Auckland District Maori Council. 4. Hon Matiu Rata, Mana Motuhake, Chairperson, Te Hapua 42 Incorporation. 5. Sir Norman Perry, Whakatohea Maori Trust Board. 6. Reverend Maori Marsden, Anglican Maori Missioner. 7. Dr Ranginui Walker, Chairperson, Auckland District Maori Council. 8. Professor Hugh Kawharu, Professor of Maori Studies, University of Auckland. 9. Ms Titewhai Harawira, Waitangi Action Committee, Maori Coordinator, Carrington and Oakley Hospitals. 10. Mr Jim Nicholls, Chairperson, Hauraki District Maori Council. 11. Ms Saana Murray, Te Hapua 42 Management Committee.

12. Mr Neville Baker, Deputy Secretary for Maori Affairs.

DSIR staff present were: Dr Jim Ellis (Director General), Dr John Troughton (Assistant Director-General), Dr Rod Bieleski (Director, Division of Horticulture and Processing), Dr Mike Leamy (Director, Soil Bureau), Mr John Longworth (Director, Entomology Division), Mr Merv Cooper (Senior Executive Officer, Mt Albert Research Centre), Dr Oliver Sutherland (Entomology Division), and Dave Buisson (Division of Horticulture and Processing). The four Maori and one Cook Island Maori staff at the Mt Albert Research Centre who were involved at all stages in planning for the hui were: Mrs Sara Puckey (lab. assistant, Plant Diseases Division), Ms Maree Williams (science technician, Entomology Division), Ms Lillian Martin (science technician, Entomology Division), Mrs Melody Tapene (typist) and Mr Francis Wynne (clerk).

The day was ordered according to Maori protocol. The powhiri at 9.30 commenced with a karanga calling the manuhiri into the building and conference room where the tangata whenua were waiting. The karanga was performed by Mrs Annie Watene and Mrs Iris Quayle-Chase, both relatives of staff member Mrs Sara Puckey. After the initial karakia three speakers from the host group each welcomed the visitors. First, Mr Jim Watene, a Ngati Whatua elder, welcomed the various tribal representatives to Tamaki Makaurau. The Director-General of DSIR, Dr Jim Ellis followed on behalf of DSIR and thirdly Oliver Sutherland as facilitator and on behalf of the Mt Albert Research'Centre. Each speaker was followed by a waiata. Sir Graham Latimer, Reverend Maori Marsden, Sir Norman Perry and Ms Titewhai Harawira then replied. The powhiri concluded with the hongi.

At the conclusion of the hui the Maori representatives were unanimous that they had felt that the day had been a valuable and constructive occasion. Equally the DSIR felt that they had been able to begin to bridge the gap between cultures and that although the debate and discussion was general, nevertheless it helped to create the atmosphere within which further development can occur. It is now intended that representatives of the Maori and DSIR groups will prepare a draft working paper to identify specific objectives and strategies for further developments with the Maori people and that these will lead to a further meeting to be held on a marae in 1987.

LSVs more confident after

basic training

AFTER four weeks of basic training, Burnham Military Camp’s latest intake of Limited Service Volunteers (LSVs) are now more confident and are proud of

what they achieved during basic training. On a brilliantly sunny day in the camp on April 18, the LSVs marched out and were awarded the brass fern-leaf badge to wear on their newly-fitted blue berets. For all, it was one of the proudest moments in their lives to date as they marched past on the parade ground, watched by their unit’s Commanding Officer, instructors, families and friends. The New Zealand Army Bund accompanied the parade and the young men and women beamed with pride because they knew the ceremony marked a real achievement. Certainly instructors and parents alike had seen the change in attitudes from the volunteers over the past four weeks. LSV Steven Grey (17V2} from Invercargill admitted he had changed; “I’ve got a lot of pride in myself now when I was unemployed I felt like a loser. But now, I know if any challenge comes along, I can handle it.” He knows the value of giving things a go, even if you don't succeed. Another area of his character development was facing up to problems, he said. Before he avoided problems by running away from them, he said. During the basic course Steven faced some traumatic personal issues and had come to terms with them: “I’m more mature and my attitudes have changed. I'd recommend this type of training to anyone.” Havelock’s Lisa Mellish (17) said she had learned much because the instructors had talked to her on an equal level - not like at school,” she said. Lisa was bored when unemployed and now realises that she did very little work at home. When on the field exercise Lisa found

herself asking questions because she felt at ease with the group and nobody would look down on her for asking “dumb" questions, she said. Lisa's parents, Clem and Pirn Mellish, watched their daughter's graduation at Burnham and couldn’t be more delighted with her development. “She looks much fresher and brighter - we’re really proud,” Mr Mellish said happily. “It was good for her to get fit again, and the training brought out the best in her." The LSVs platoon sergeant, John Wentworth of Christchurch, said there had been a definite growing of personalities during the youngsters' basic phase. “They are good people - there’s no doubt about it. Everyone has got their hang-ups, but who hasn’t?” Some of the youngsters had either been too sheltered in their lives, or had virtually come straight off the street, Sergeant Wentworth said. “You’ve got to talk to them on their level - unless there is a definite no. There is one level of discipline and standards, they learn what has to be done and that's it.” He said one of the most important aspects showing up was that the LSVs were refining their own personalities while also working as a team. Now the volunteers have been orientated into the Army environment the following 16 weeks will see them getting on-the-job practical work skills development in a chosen field. The aim of LSV training is to develop work skills so the young people can find permanent jobs in the civilian workplace. On weekends the LSVs will be busy with pre-arranged activities, including sport and cultural outings. Similar courses are being run at Linton Camp near Palmerston North and at Papakura Camp near Auckland.