Minister for Māori Development Willie Jackson today announces the appointment of Crown representatives, Dr Charlotte Severne and Mr Bernie O’Donnell, to the Steering Committee that will determine the future of the Ihumātao land

Willie Jackson, the minister for Mori development, today announced the appointment of Dr. Charlotte Severne and Mr. Bernie O’Donnell as representatives of the Crown to the steering committee that will decide the fate of the Ihumtao land.

“I’m happy to have appointed the Crown officials. Dr. Severne and Mr. O’Donnell have complementary backgrounds and will play key roles in advancing a team effort to address Ihumtao, according to Willie Jackson.

The Crown, Kngitanga, and Auckland Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding, or He Pmautanga, outlining their working relationship in December 2020.

He Pmautanga outlines a procedure for forming a Steering Committee, the Rpu Whakahaere, to decide on the land’s future usage and the creation of a whenua management plan.

Six people make up the Rpu Whakahaere: two Crown representatives, one representative chosen by Kngitanga, three representatives of Ahi K groups chosen through tikanga processes assisted by Kngitanga.

Following a recent meeting with Rp Whakahaere members, Willie Jackson anticipates that the group will soon get together again, this time with the Kngitanga calling the meeting.

“This group will play a big role in choosing the choices for Ihumtao’s use and ownership in the future. We expect this mahi to be finished in 5 years.

“I acknowledge that identifying the Ahi K representatives of the Rp Whakahaere has been challenging and that this process has been slowed down by COVID. Kngitanga deserves praise for their efforts in aiding this process.

Mr. O’Donnell has a four-year appointment. He has served in a variety of Mori community and governmental capacities as a professional director and former cultural advisor.

The Mori Trustee at the moment is Dr. Severne, who has been in the position for two years. She has extensive knowledge of managing land-based businesses and Mori enterprises.

“I have no doubt that Mr. O’Donnell and Dr. Severne will make significant contributions to the Rpu Whakahaere’s success in addressing the usage and stewardship of Ihumtao land. I anticipate making more strides, Willie Jackson remarked.

In order to help the Rpu Whakahaere realize the goals of He Pmautanga, Auckland Council will send an observer to meetings.