E ngā karangatanga maha puta noa i te motu, piki mai, kake mai!

As we anticipate the rise of Matariki; we know that change is coming. In times past the sighting of Matariki was greeted with expressions of remembrance for those who had passed on since its last appearance. But the rise of the Seven Sisters also signaled the potential bounty that was to come.

As homage to those who have gone before, in this issue we pay tribute to the former Minister of Maori Affairs, the Hon Parekura Horomia although known to us as Parekura. Around the same time Dick Grace, educationalist, writer, husband, father and grandfather and Paddy Whiu, known and respected for his commitment to the Māori Wardens and the Police were also farewelled after many years of dedicated service. Haere atu e koutou ki te paepae o Matariki, o Rehua.

Travelling as a member of the Prime Minister’s delegation to China was very insightful. It was a privilege to be with our Minister and about 100 Chairs and Chief Executives of private and public sector organisations to see how the second largest economy in the world works. It was unlike any other trip I have made to China and opened my eyes to the possibilities and significant opportunities ahead.

It felt appropriate to return home to the inaugural Taniwha Dragon Festival at Ōrākei Marae. It was a spectacular event which has set a platform for celebrating our ancient and modern relationships with the Chinese.

In this issue we highlight the publication of findings from research we commissioned on better public services for Māori. We look at how we encourage and grow success both literally and figuratively through cadetships, a new website about Māori Futuremakers, and māra kai up North.

Since the start of this year, as an organisation, we have explored our core purpose as a trusted advisor to Ministers and other agencies to generate good ideas and understandings to improve the lives of Māori people.

We have also been on a strategic and learning journey to refine our purpose, role and function. We intend to focus on three long term and complementary outcomes: Whāinga ki Mua - Māori as a culturally distinct group, Ōranga ā Mua - Māori aims and aspirations as citizens and whānau and He Ara Whakamua, which focuses on Māori rights and interests as tangata whenua as partners to the Treaty of Waitangi.

You can read more about our strategic development journey in this issue. It is a time of renewal for us and as we begin to reflect the literal meaning of our name “Te Puni Kōkiri” - a group moving forward together - there is much to do. I am optimistic about what lies ahead and how we can contribute to Aotearoa New Zealand. As we move into Matariki, we do so with the intention of working within the public sector and with iwi, hapū and whānau Māori to support Māori success at home and abroad.

Michelle Hippolite
Te Puni Kōkiri – Chief Executive