Māori Heritage Council of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust
The New Zealand Historic Places Trust's Māori Heritage Council is established under the Historic Places Act 1993. The Trust Board can delegate to the Council any of its powers or functions, but the latter is specifically tasked with functions concerning Māori interests in relation to wahi tapu, wahi tapu areas, historic places and historic areas.
Purpose/Functions:
The functions of the Council include:
- protecting and registering wahi tapu and wahi tapu areas
- assisting the Trust to develop and reflect a bicultural view in the exercise of its powers and functions
- assisting whanau, hapu and iwi in the preservation and management of their heritage resources
- considering recommendations in relation to archaeological sites
- advocating, at any public or Māori forum, the interests of the Trust and Council so far as they relate to Māori heritage.
Board Appointments:
The Council has eight members, including the Chair (who is appointed by the Council).
The Council comprises four members who are also members of the HPT Board (two Māori members appointed by the Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage; one Māori member appointed by the Board; and one member who is either elected, or appointed by the Board). The Minister appoints the other four members directly to the Council. These members must be Māori with appropriate skills, knowledge or cultural background, and are appointed after consultation with the Minister of Māori Affairs and the Trust Board.
Skills and Experience:
As well as the governance skills mentioned on the Governance front page, specific skills required for this Board include:
- knowledge of Māori heritage issues
- understanding of conservation and archaeological issues
- advocacy and public communication skills
- good standing in relevant communities of interest.
Time Commitment:
4 to 5 council meetings per year. Members are often invited to attend hui.
Board Membership (expiry of term in brackets):
- Tumu te Heuheu* - Chair (June 2010)
- Merata Kawharu * (June 2012)
- Gerard O'Regan (June 2011)
- Dr Apirana Mahuika * (June 2012)
- Manos Nathan (June 2012)
- Jamie Tuuta (June 2012)
- Che Wilson (June 2012)
*Also members of the Trust Board.