Acknowledging The Past, Looking Forward To The Future
Today, NKII staff and board members, whnau, friends and associates held a special luncheon to acknowledge Kaumtua Haami Hilton and his lovely wife Edina, for his 26 consecutive years of service on the NKII Board.
The Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated (NKII) triennial election took place on 24 April 2025. We have 5 brand new Board members being welcomed onto the Board at Waipatu Marae on Friday 30 May at 9am.
The Board members who will be replaced are Nigel How (Wairoa), Thompson Hokianga (Heretaunga), Jenny Nelson-Smith (Tamatea), Eruera Beattie (Northern Taurahere District) and Haami Hilton (Kaumātua). The brand new Board members who are taking on the new positions are Esta Wainohu (Wairoa), Aretha (Crystal) Edwards (Heretaunga), Anthony Tipene-Matua (Tamatea), Te Aihurangi Tangiora (Northern Taurahere) and Cordry Huata (Kaumātua). Bayden Barber (Chair) and unopposed candidates Melissa Ihaka (Wairarapa), Hayden Hape (Tamaki nui ā-Rua), Hori Reti (Te Whanganui a Orotū) and Brian Ruawai-Hamilton (Southern Taurahere District) will maintain the momentum of the Board.
Today, NKII staff and board members, whānau, friends and associates held a special luncheon to acknowledge Kaumātua Haami Hilton and his lovely wife Edina, for his 26 consecutive years of service on the NKII Board.
Former Chairman of the NKII Board, Ngahiwi Tomoana, kept the crowd engaged every second of the way as we celebrated our Kaumātua. Ngahiwi and Haami have served for the same number of years on the board. It was an emotional, fun filled afternoon as speakers shared fond memories of their time with Uncle Haami. Special gifts were exchanged and heartfelt words expressed. The following phrase was offered by Jeremy Tātere Macleod and was written on his special photo frame presented to Uncle Haami.
Ahakoa kua poto a mua, kua roa a muri, arā, kua tae ki ngā taru o Tura – ko te mahara ka tū tonu. Ko tō mātau aroha ki a kōrua kai te rangi tōna whānui, kai te moana tōna hōhonu, kai te paerangi tōna roa.
Although the path ahead is short, the one behind is long; indeed, we have reached the lands of Tura – and yet, memory will endure. Our love for you both is as vast as the sky, as deep as the ocean, and as long as the horizon.
Wise words from our beautiful Whaea Liz Hunkin, 'It's time to rest'. 'You've done so much for the iwi and we are very lucky to have had you, but it's time to rest' It was a wonderful time together.
Tomorrow, the new members will be welcomed in as a new board, bringing with them a fresh perspective, unique skills, experience, and the ability to help rejuvenate discussions about the organisation's vision and mission. After their pōhiri tomorrow, the new NKII Board will hold their first meeting at the NKII office. Kaupapa being discussed tomorrow includes dealing with the ongoing issues of a racist government, housing crisis, newly launched health and wellbeing initiatives and up and coming events including the Fish Hook Summit, 11 Matariki events and the KAHUNGUNU 2050 Vision hikoi. It's fun times ahead, but rewarding in many ways.
'Courage, and Commitment, Time and Energy describe some attributes of a good governor. Health and Wellbeing, time with whānau, are always the most important things we need to serve.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Otago Daily Times
26-07-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Combined model for school boards sought
Catholic schools in Oamaru are awaiting government sign-off to combine primary and secondary school boards in the town into one body. New Zealand School Boards Association (NZSBA) Otago regional executive chairman and St Kevin's College board member Eugen Dupu said over the past 18 months, St Kevin's College and St Joseph's School — both state-integrated Catholic schools with the same proprietor and special character — had been exploring the possibility of a shared governance model. "Through wide consultation — including input from both school communities and independent facilitators — there has been strong support for a single combined board, while maintaining the individual identity and character of each school," he said. The proposed model would bring more cohesive leadership, as well as strengthened Catholic stewardship and enhanced students and whanau support, he said. "We are now in the final stages of working with the Ministry of Education, with guidance from the NZSBA, to formalise the new structure reflecting the overwhelming support received from both school communities." The school hopes the changes will be in time for the school board elections, taking place nationwide in September. Mr Dupu said school boards strengthened governance and achievement, reflected communities, monitored student wellbeing and encouraged local decision-making. "A well-governed school benefits the whole community. Better education leads to stronger social and economic outcomes. "Active community participation strengthens democracy and ensures schools are responsive to the needs of all tamariki and whānau. "Strong school governance isn't just about policies and procedures — it's about shaping environments where every child can thrive," he said. "When communities lead with purpose, schools flourish." He anticipates the St Kevin's elections will be a "positive opportunity to renew and refresh community involvement". This year, NZSBA has launched its "Get on Board" campaign before the three-yearly school board elections. NZSBA president Meredith Kennet said school boards played a critical role in our education system, making decisions that affect students, teachers and whānau across the country. "This campaign is about making sure all New Zealanders understand the value of community participation in their children's education — and feel empowered to take part," she said. Get on Board 2025 has rolled out additional resources for schools and boards, overhauled its website, and increased advertising across all platforms. Online workshops and webinars are also available on the NZSBA website, along with live sessions and online courses. Waitaki Valley School principal Jane Severinsen is looking forward to welcoming a new board of passionate parents and community members in the upcoming election. "It gives the chance for parents and the community to have a voice while guiding strategic direction," she said. "It's a wonderful opportunity for the school and local community." The school has rallied behind the new campaign, using "Get on Board" posters to advertise the election. Ardgowan Primary School principal Ryan Fraser also expects a positive election. With three positions open for the next board term, the elections would be important to the rural school. "School boards are the voice of the community and it's important to have a diverse range of voices representing." The triennial elections are scheduled from September 3 to September 19. Nominations close 35 days before each school's chosen election date. People can visit the NZSBA elections website to start the nomination process or nominate someone else. — Claire Taylor
Scoop
15-07-2025
- Scoop
Olympian Wynd Joins Bike Auckland Board
Bike Auckland is thrilled to welcome experienced social policy expert and Olympian cyclist Donna Wynd to its Board. Board Chair Karen Hormann says: 'Donna brings to Bike Auckland experience in governance and in transport policy. She contributes to both the academic and the general media debate on the topics which matter most to Aucklanders. Donna has a perspective on cycling that is both grassroots and high-level strategy thanks to her experience.' Wynd has been cycling in Auckland for many decades as a recreational rider, commuter and New Zealand cycling representative. New board member Wynd shares: 'While cycling infrastructure in Auckland has improved over time, there is still a long way to go to make cycling safe and enjoyable for everyone. I'm excited about helping achieve that by serving on the Bike Auckland Board. It's a crucial period for shaping the future of transport in our beautiful region.' Wynd brings experience in transport policy to the role as well as an understanding of how transport impacts on individuals and communities. She has worked as an economic and policy analyst and has experience in social policy, housing and public health. Wynd was a member of the Alternative Transport Funding Group set up by previous Auckland Mayor Len Brown. Her work in the NGO sector is informed by a strong equity lens, and her governance experience includes serving as a board chair. Her social policy and public health research has been published in a number of respected academic journals. She is also a contributor to mainstream media, her writing appearing in many of our major NZ media outlets. Chief Biking Officer Fiáin d'Leafy welcomes the appointment: 'We love Donna's massive commitment to active transport, and transport equity. We love that she is a proud south Aucklander and a strong voice for South Auckland's communities.' New Zealand Olympian #751, Wynd represented Aotearoa New Zealand in track cycling at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games and the Victoria 1994 Commonwealth Games, where she won a spectacular bronze medal. A born and bred Aucklander, Wynd is a proud member of the Ōtāhuhu community. She joins an experienced board of five at community organisation Bike Auckland. Bike Auckland advocates for a better region for people on bikes.
Scoop
11-07-2025
- Scoop
Developing Countries Decry "Problematic" Loss And Damage Finance Gap As Global 'Fill The Fund' Campaign Launched
July 10, 2025 Developing country representatives on the Board of the UN's Fund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) have issued a critical joint statement expressing concerns over the scale and status of resources, noting that a lack of transparency from contributors is 'severely limiting' the ability to program funds and reducing confidence in the long-term commitment of partners. The statement was issued during the Fund's 6th Board Meeting in Cebu, Philippines. The statement from the developing country constituency highlights that while funding needs for economic damages alone are estimated to be around USD 395 billion in 2025, only USD 348 million is currently available in the Fund. This comes after total pledges of USD 788.68 million, revealing a significant gap between promises and payments. The constituency underscored the "urgent and immediate need for new, additional, predictable and adequate financial resources" to help developing countries respond to escalating climate disasters. The developing country constituency maintains its position that the Fund must program at least USD 100 billion a year by 2030 as a minimum and called for the Board to shift its priorities towards launching an initial capitalization and replenishment process that goes "far beyond the initial pledges.' The press conference featured an important video statement from H.E. Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, who highlighted the need to scale up funds to address the actual needs of developing countries. NEW Global Campaign - 'FILL THE FUND' Launched: In direct response to this crisis of inaction, a global coalition of climate justice movements and civil society groups representing thousands of organizations launched 'Fill The Fund,' a new global campaign to demand wealthy nations and corporate polluters meet their historical responsibility to pay for the climate crisis. H.E. Jotham Napat, Prime Minister of Vanuatu, in a recorded statement: "Pledges alone cannot rebuild what has been erased by the climate crisis in Vanuatu and across the world. A single cyclone caused over $500 million in damages, yet we are capped at receiving just $20 million a year from the Loss and Damage Fund. 'The question now is whether the fund will be able to mobilize the scale of resources needed to meet the moment and deliver—especially when we consider that children in developing countries suffer more than $400 billion in impacts annually." Elena Cristina Pereira Colindres, FRLD Board Member (Honduras), speaking on behalf of the G77 constituency: "The current financial situation and the lack of clarity on the overall scale of the Fund will likely affect the start-up phase and the long-term scaled financing needed from the Fund. 'We therefore raise the question of whether the Board should now shift its priorities towards launching an initial capitalisation and replenishment process of new, additional, predictable, and adequate resources at a scale that goes far beyond the initial pledges." Richard Sherman, Co-Chair, FRLD Board (South Africa), speaking in his national capacity: "We have to build the abacus, so to speak, of the fund's financial architecture: how we mobilize money, how we bank contributed funds, and how we disperse money to countries. Although this is a small step, it has a big, big, big footprint. 'We need to continue our work with vigilance, and with the support of civil society all around the world, to ensure the fund remains accessible, open, and inclusive—which is not necessarily a simple thing to do." Ambassador Elizabeth Thompson, FRLD Board Member (Barbados): "Middle-income nations like Barbados are on the frontlines of climate impacts, yet we often cannot access the finance needed. When Hurricane Beryl struck us, we lost 90% of our fishing fleet and significant coastal infrastructure.' 'That is why the Board's decision in Barbados this past April was a critical step forward: it established the Barbados Implementation Modalities (BIM) and, crucially, ensured that 50% of the funding goes to LDCs and SIDs as grants, not loans." Daniel Lund, FRLD Board Member (Fiji): "Our red line—the imperative to keep the global average temperature rise below 1.5 degrees—is on the brink of being breached. Recent science suggests that an overshoot may be unavoidable.' "This must be a fund that works differently and thinks differently; one that can effectively work with national systems and be responsive to the needs on the ground. We must incentivize social protection and avoid the fragmentation and administrative burden that the current project-based financing regime continues to create." Harjeet Singh, Convenor of the new Global Campaign 'Fill The Fund' on Loss and Damage Finance, and Founding Director of Satat Sampada Climate Foundation: said at the launch event: 'The creation of this Fund was a historic victory, but it will be a meaningless one if it is not filled with new, additional, and accessible public grants. This campaign will unite the voices of thousands of organizations to demand that developed countries stop shirking their responsibilities. "The 'Fill The Fund' campaign will coordinate global advocacy, track pledges and payments through a public dashboard, and mobilize citizens to pressure governments ahead of key moments, including the COP30 climate conference in Belém, Brazil.' Claire Miranda, Deputy Program Manager for Climate Justice, APMDD (Philippines) and member of the Global Campaign to Demand Climate Justice (DCJ): "It is significant that the FRLD Board is meeting here in Cebu, one of the cities hardest hit by Super Typhoon Rai in 2021, which left a vast trail of death and devastation across our country. 'Bringing the Board discussions here is not just symbolic; it is a reminder of who this fund must serve. But symbolism is not enough. We need substance. We need decisions that move us from delay to delivery, from pledges to actual contributions, and from rhetoric to real reparations. We need to fill the fund." Tasneem Essop, Executive Director, Climate Action Network International: 'The establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund was a major political achievement, thanks to the leadership and pressure from civil society and developing countries. However, the real test will be how this Fund is filled. With increasingly devastating climate impacts, felt mainly in the Global South, we are talking billions, not millions, that are needed for recovery and rebuilding. 'Rich nations, who caused harm historically, must pay up. We are talking about public, grants-based finance. The attempts by the World Bank to get the private sector involved in financing the Fund is yet another escape clause for rich nations. You cannot profit off of suffering. Rich nations must pay their dues. They can find the money to fund wars and subsidise fossil fuels, so there can be no argument that there is no money.' Brandon Wu, Director of Policy and Campaigns, ActionAid USA: "When rich countries say they don't have the money to contribute to global climate solutions, it's a bluff. In this fiscal year alone, the US government plans to spend nearly $200 billion on border security and immigration enforcement. That is almost 11,000 times more than its paltry $17.5 million contribution to the Loss and Damage Fund - money that will go towards persecuting everyday people rather than supporting their needs. "This has never been about a lack of resources; it has always been about a lack of political will. When those in power decide something is a priority, they can mobilize untold amounts of money at the drop of a hat. It's time that rich countries choose to prioritize survival and dignified life for billions of people around the world. Living up to their obligations to contribute to the FRLD is a core part of that choice." Liane Schalatek, Associate Director, Heinrich Böll Foundation Washington, DC, said: 'Only 358 million US Dollar in the bank when at least the same number in billions is needed per year – this is the sad state of efforts to mobilize financing to #FillTheFund for responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD). 'Announced with much fanfare at COP28 in Dubai 20 months ago, developed countries have so far failed to fulfill their legal obligation and moral duty to help marginalized people and vulnerable communities in developing countries to cope with ever more devastating extreme weather events with hurricanes, floods and droughts, glacier melt and sea level rise, and more and more lives and livelihoods lost. No more excuses and evasions. 'We need public grant finance delivered to the Fund in the billions as a matter of urgency and climate justice. If countries in the Global North can find money for military expansion, subsidizing fossil fuels, beefing up border controls and tax gifts for the richest, they can summon the resources to #PayUp4LossAndDamage - NOW!' Chiara Liguori, Climate Justice Senior Policy Adviser, Oxfam GB: 'The establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage in 2022 was hailed as a historic moment. But little money has followed since then. We have only seen more excuses and delaying tactics. 'What would be really historic now is for rich countries to live up to their responsibilities, honour their obligations and pay up for the losses and damages they have caused. Only this would ensure justice to the people left displaced, hungry or sick by the reckless behaviour of the richest and biggest polluters.' Lien Vandamme, Senior Campaigner, Center for International Environmental Law, said: 'States and corporations with historic and current responsibility for the climate crisis have legal obligations to pay for the damage. While we celebrated the historic step taken at COP27 to establish a Loss and Damage Fund, this fund remains an empty shell and people and communities on the frontlines of the climate crisis have yet to receive the first penny. '2025 is the year to change this: as countries are discussing how to scale up resources of the Loss and Damage Fund, international courts are confirming State obligations to repair climate and environmental harm, at home and abroad. COP30 must tie all of this together and deliver a clear path forward towards the urgent delivery of hundreds of billions needed annually. The delay must end and polluters must pay.' Brenda Mwale, Finance Lead, Loss and Damage Collaboration, said: 'Adequate funding for the Loss and Damage fund is not merely a financial necessity; it constitutes human rights and legal imperative to address the disproportionate impacts of climate change on vulnerable nations. Sufficient resources are essential for supporting recovery efforts, and ensuring a more equitable global response to climate-induced disasters. 'The current state of resources in the Fund highlights the reluctance of developed countries to assume responsibility and support frontline communities at the scale required. This issue should be treated with urgency and see the delivery of Loss and Damage scale of at least 400 billion USD a year. The response to COVID-19, demonstrated the capacity and availability of resources to support vulnerable communities. The money is there! ' Ineza Umuhoza Grace & Nicolas Gaulin, Global Coordinators, Loss & Damage Youth Coalition, said: An empty Fund means more droughts, floods, and temperature extremes. An empty Fund means broken homes, displaced families, and unchecked destruction and disease. An empty Fund means foregoing development to pay for a crisis the primary victims didn't create. An empty Fund means developed countries continue to downplay and reject their historical responsibility in fueling the climate crisis. An empty Fund means no trust in real action. Developing countries and frontline communities have the right to new, additional, predictable, public, grants-based and easily accessible funds to survive and thrive. 'These funds are neither charity, nor development aid or investment opportunities. These funds are meant for equitable climate action that addresses real pain at the frontlines. Nothing short of trillions will rectify this egregious breach of justice and global solidarity, consistently perpetuated by a collective of wealthy nations. The Fund must be filled today, tomorrow, and until it matches the scale of needs on the ground. Nithi Nesadurai, Director & Regional Coordinator, Climate Action Network Southeast Asia, said: 'Given the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and their rising intensity, which are aggressively adding to the loss and damage being incurred in the developing world in particular, it is imperative that developed countries meet their obligations by contributing significantly to the Fund with immediate effect. Delay tactics cannot be tolerated anymore.' Dr. Isatis M. Cintron-Rodriguez, Founder and Director, Climate Trace, Puerto Rico, said: "Trust is in high demand and as the currency for climate justice it hinges on developed countries stepping up with public finance that is new, additional, high quality, non-debt inducing, and commensurate with the harm incurred. Anything less risk turning a promise into betrayal for the world's most affected communities."
