December 31, 2012
Knighthood for Ngai Tahu leader
Ngai Tahu kaiwhakahaere Mark Solomon has been made a knight companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the New Year’s honours list for services to Maori and business.
The former foundry metal worker was first elected to the South Island tribe’s governing council in 1995, becoming chair in 1998, when its treaty settlement was signed.
After years of attacks from opposing factions, it took the Christchurch earthquakes to bring some stability to his position on the runanga.
He has also been a leading figure in the growth of the Iwi Leaders Forum, although its importance as a national organisation is undermined by the insistence of leaders that they put the interests of their own iwi first.
This was illustrated during the year when Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu put an affadavit in to the High Court which was seen as undermining the case by the New Zealand Maori Council and Waikato River tribes over water ownership.
During his tenure the tribe’s $170 million settlement assets has grown to $809 million, with significant investments in the property, fisheries and tourism.
He is particularly proud of the Whai Rawa savings scheme, which has encouraged more than half the tribe’s children to become regular savers, and the tribe is also looking at ways to encourage people into business.
Ngai Tahu was further honoured with Tuahiwi kaumatua Henare Rakiihia Tau becoming an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Mr Tau was a lead negotiator for the Ngai Tahu Settlement. He also helped drive the establishment of Maori customary fishing regulations, and is an acknowledged expert in the tribe’s traditions.
He also served as a Rangiora County councillor.
Three Maori educators were made companions of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
Children's book author and illustrator, Gavin Bishop of Ngāti Mahuta and Ngāti Pukeko was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for making bi-cultural and bi-lingual literature accessible.
Lisa Carrington of Te Aitanga-ā-Mahaki was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her contribution to the sport of kayaking.
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