Debbie Packer has been appointed to the Local Government Efficiency Taskforce. The Taskforce will focus on efficiency issues of local government consultation, planning and financial reporting practices. A report is due to the Minister of Local Government, David Carter, in October 2012.
Mavis Mullins has been appointed to the Health and Safety Review Taskforce. The Taskforce will undertake a strategic review of the New Zealand Workplace Health and Safety systems. The Taskforce will report to The Minister of Labour, Kate Wilkinson, during the latter months of 2012.
Hemi Rau and Paki Rawiri have been appointed to the board of Tainui Group Holdings, fulfilling representative places of the Waikato Tainui executive, Te Arataura. Mr Rau and Mr Rawiri will replace Rahui Papa and Rukumoana Schaafhausen.
Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi has been accused of breaching the Education Act for referring to itself as an ‘Indigenous University’. (The word ‘University’ is a protected term.) The matter is under investigation by the Ministry of Education.
Te Whānau-a-Apanui and Greenpeace are awaiting a High Court decision to quash the oil exploration permit off the east coast of the North Island issued by the Government to the Brazilian energy company Petrobras in 2010. The case was heard in the Wellington High court on Tuesday.
The Intellectual Property Office has declined Te Rūnanga o Toa Rangātira application to trademark four haka phrases – Ka Mate, Upane Kaupane, Whiti Te Ra and Ka Ora.
Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012 – recipients for service to Māori.
Dames Companion (DNZM)
Mabel June Hinekahukura Mariu, CNZM, QSM, JP, for services to Māori and the community.
Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM)
Tracey Tania Houpapa, JP, for services to business and Māori.
Vera Whakaaronui Wilson, for services to Māori, music and the community.
The Queen’s Service Medal – (QSM)
Ruahine Albert, JP, for services to Māori and the community;
Yvonne Moana Bidois, for services to Māori;
Takawhiti Te Oraiti Calcott, for services to Māori and education;
Edward Matchitt, of Opotiki, for services to Māori.
Frances Karen Pointon, for services to Māori and the deaf community;
Ariana Simpson, for services to Māori and the community; and
David Tamatea, for services to disability support and Māori.
Editorial Correction
In last week’s edition within our brief on water policy we incorrectly referred to the Waiapu River, instead of the Waipa, when discussing the Ngā Wai o Maniapoto Act (2012). We apologise for that.