FNTC: International Tribal Economic Conference keynote address

Press Release

May 2,  2016

Chief Commissioner Jules traveled to the south island of New Zealand from February 14 – 28 at the invitation of to the University of Canterbury Ngāi Tahu Research Centre to participate in their international conference regarding what is needed to create a tribal economy where he was the recipient of the Erskine visiting scholar fellowship.

The Chief Commissioner was invited to visit a number of Ngai Tahu villages and present a keynote address at the Kai hiku, kai ūpoko: Tribal Economic Wānanga (conference). In Maori, Kai hiku, kai ūpoko is meant to ‘serve as a reminder that we are strongest when we ensure that everyone has enough, and in the context of a tribal economy, has the means and self-determination to take care of their whānau (extended family).

The purpose of the visit was to exchange ideas and develop a more formal working relationship between the Ngai Tahu Research Centre, the Tulo Centre of Indigenous Economics and the FNTC. Director of the Ngāi Tahu Research Centre, Associate Professor Te Maire Tau said the discussion is a vital one to have in New Zealand as tribal economies have a larger impact than just financially.

Culture and wealth go hand in hand. Our rūnanga were really designed to have the same powers as provincial government. It’s about generating wealth on our reserves and our villages and creating economic conditions to allow our people to flourish

Chief Commissioner Jules visited four marae (village centres) throughout the south island to discuss culture, language, economic development and Ngai Tahu tax jurisdiction and title. His presentations at the marae and the conference were very well received and formed the basis of a potentially strong working relationship based on the success of each party and in support of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

The Ngai Tahu tribal council has been exceedingly successful in growing its economy base. It began with a settlement of $170 million in 1996 and now has an asset base of $1.2 billion. Revenues from its diverse group of companies and projects support Ngai Tahu language, culture, governments, economic development and members. The Ngai Tahu tribal council has begun to expand its land and resource base and some of the communities may be interested in working with the FNTC to implement tax jurisdiction and title on their lands.

Gifts were exchanged to confirm the partnership and working relationship and the Tulo Centre has also signed an MOU with the Ngai Tahu Research Centre. The research centre is interested in working with the Tulo Centre on student and researcher exchanges, joint research projects, taxation and title curriculum development, a possible joint course and sharing lessons and case studies in support the Tulo Centre open textbook

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