The purpose of the workshops was for Wardens to become more familiar with financial jargon like income, surplus, assets and liabilities; and to increase their knowledge of governance roles and responsibilities.

After the pilot workshops, participant feedback indicated there was too much information to take on in a single day. It was then decided that the content of the workshops be separated into two - one focusing on financial literacy and the other on governance.

The Financial Literacy workshops were held in February and March of this year in Whāngārei; Tāmaki Makaurau; Waiariki; Te Tairāwhiti; Tākitimu; Te Tau Ihu; and Te Waipounamu.

The feedback has been positive says Gail Amaru, Training Co-ordinator for the Māori Wardens Project Team at Te Puni Kōkiri.

“We were so encouraged by the positive feedback about the financial training that we’re now talking to Pareārau to formulate a new workshop for governance workshops for the Wardens too,” she said. It is expected that a pilot governance training will be offered later in the year for Wardens.

If you would like to attend a Financial Literacy Workshop, there will be an opportunity for you to attend one before the end of June 2016, contact your sub associations/Training and/or Regional coordinator to register your interest.

Image: Financial Training – Hastings, February 26 2015 | Back row: Robert (Brad Pitt) Whaitiri (Māori Wardens Project Team), Manu Bush (Mataruahau), Hirani Baker (Ruahine), Memory Kaukau (Takitimu Trust), Pani Turipa (Ruahine), Fiona Wilson(Pareārau Group), Heneriata Wineera (Mataruahau), Yvonne Kohu (Mataruahau), Minnie Ratima (Mataruahau), Vernon Nicholas (Mataruahau). Front row: Sam Ngatoa (Flaxmere), Linda Adlam (Central Hawkes Bay), Charlie Timu (Ruahine), and Ronald Henare (Heretaunga).