What happened at the hui?

Tu Tangata, Issue 33, 1 December 1986, Page 5

What happened at the hui?

TAKAPUAHIA HUI

First up, Hugh Rennie outlined why he, along with Bishop Vercoe, had called the hui. Next, RNZ’s network proposal was circulated. Then the hui, under Sir Graham Latimer’s chairmanship, voted to accept the objective that a Maori radio service be established.

Hugh Rennie and Beverley Wakem were adamant that the terms of reference of the radio service had to include the immediate use of the Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Christchurch regional radio frequencies, in order “to provide a full range of services required to fulfill the needs of a national Maori audience.” The hui endorsed this and then quickly turned to the matter of electing the Maori Radio Board members.

Several people such as Piripi Walker, Bill Ohia and Huirangi Waikerepuru then questioned the advisability of the choice being made by and from those present. Waikerepuru said the kaupapa should go back to the iwi kainga for them to decide through further hui, as was the Maori way. Maanu Paul agreed that there was too much at stake to rush into choosing board members. The hui was unconvinced. Ripeka Evans also spoke of the need to search for certain qualities in

prospective board members, but that advice also seemed to go against the grain of the hui. Whatarangi Winiata suggested that the heads of the NZ Maori Council, Maori Women’s Welfare League and Te Kohanga Reo be on the board along with the Anglican Bishop. That was rejected. Finally, in the late night session, it was agreed to nominate members from those present at the hui or absent. This brought a flood of nominations, 29 in all after some withdrew. Two of the withdrawals were Walker and Waikerepuru, who said there was a conflict of interests as their board, Nga Kaiwhakapumau, still had an outstanding claim against the BCNZ before the Waitangi Tribunal. Hugh Rennie said it was okay by him if the hui wanted to nominate BCNZ employees, Ripeka Evans and Haare Williams. But he wanted the hui to be aware of what that could look like. Bev Wakem said it would be the first time that BCNZ employees were on the board. Next morning, cold feet had replaced the light heads of the previous evening. Bill Ohia and Marama Martin said all 29 nominations should be withdrawn, and a fresh start made. That was put to the vote and defeated. But then it was formally agreed that those present at the

hui shouldn’t select a board there and then. It was left to Bill Nepia to suggest that the hui should choose a selection panel. This was carried by a show of hands and eventually the number was set at five. Once again there was a flood of names until some of the nominees realised that if they got on to the selection panel they wouldn’t be eligible for the board. And again there was discomfort for Hugh Rennie as he reminded his employees how it might look if BCNZ staff were put on the Maori Radio Board. Ripeka Evans and Haare Williams withdrew from consideration, for the panel and the board, at that stage. Finally, three women and two men were elected to the selection panel. They were: Georgina Kirby, as Maori Women’s Welfare League president, Sir Graham Latimer, as chairman of the NZ Maori Council, John Bennett, as chairman of Te Kohanga Reo, and Te Hemara Maipi, as representative of the Maori Youth Council, and Mira Szaszy. These five people were empowered by the hui to choose seven members for the Maori Radio Board from the 29 nominated by the hui as well as scouting around for others in the community. Two places are to be kept on the board for the representatives of the Ministers of Broadcasting and Maori Affairs.