e-policy bulletin
E-Policy Bulletin 24 October
October 2006
FoMA
Conference
Due to enormous demand we have now closed the Conference registrations as we have a full house. Any members still interested in attending can apply to go on the waiting list and if any free slots become available they will go to members on the list.
Also, the complete Conference Programme, AGM Minutes 2005 and the FoMA Annual Report 2006 are all now available here.
The FoMA AGM and Conference will be held in Rotorua this year on the 3-5 November, at the Grand Tiara Hotel.
Website
FoMA is has launched advertising spaces on its webpage. With traffic to the webpage averaging 25,000 hits per week this will be a prime location to get your product out there to others. Information is available from the FoMA website. Email info@foma.co.nz for more information
PARLIAMENT WATCH
Foreshore and Seabed Repeal Bill
The Foreshore and Seabed Repeal Bill was introduced into the house on the 12th October 2006. The Bill was introduced by the Maori party read related scoop article. FOMA will be watching for progress of this Bill and would like to see it get through the first reading to the select committee stage.
Treaty of Waitangi (Removal of Conflict of Interest) Amendment Bill
New Zealand First introduced this Bill on the 12th Oct and the first reading was held on the 17th Oct. This Bill looks to prevent judges who serve on the Maori Land Court and High Court from serving on the Waitangi Tribunal in any capacity. Read Scoop article Bill Removes Conflict of Interest
Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill
FOMA Draft submission on this Bill is available from the FoMA website. Submissions close on the Friday 20th October. This Bill looks to remove all references to the principles of the Treaty from legislation in effect removing all statutory rights of Maori to contest Crown Breaches of the Treaty.
Government Surplus
The government turned in a bumper $11.5 billion operating surplus in the last financial year - $3 billion a head of forecast on the back of a bigger than expected tax take and a one-off $1.8 billion accounting change. Don’t be expecting massive tax cuts as there are many things that the government will be spending this on, such as education, health and business developments to name a few. Read the Hon Michael Cullen’s media release
Rates Rebate
Tens of thousands of New Zealand households are making use of this Labour-led government's expanded rates rebates scheme as Local Government Minister Mark Burton announced today that rates rebates totalling more than $26 million had been approved to date.
"Rates rebates totalling $26,908,316 have been approved for 59,560 households around the country. Clearly the message is getting out to our communities and many of those who are eligible are taking this opportunity to reduce what they pay in rates," Mark Burton said. Read Release
Business
Director Survey
The survey was developed based on a review of more than 200 academic and business/government reports on governance worldwide, and operated by an MBA team of junior managers at Waikato management School, Hamilton. You can review the summary here
South Island Farms use R&D to Increase Productivity
Five Ngai Tahu Farms are using R&D to improve returns and create sustainable industries. These farms may be used as examples to improve Maori land nation wide. Read the Scoop Article Marginal land transformed into an organic oasis which tells of a success story, and Stuff article Planting a family future
Other News
Maori Claim British Pension
David Rankin a Ngapuhi leader is claiming that Maori have the same rights as British subjects under article 3 of the Treaty of Waitangi and is claiming for British Passports, Pension and the Dole Read News Talk ZB article and stuff article
Whaia Nga Taumata – Best Practice for Maori Organisations
This is a practical, hands-on workshop designed to teach participants how to understand and implement a complete system of best-practice governance. The workshop begins with a solid grounding in governance theory and ends with concrete advice and guidance on how to implement the material taught in the workshop. The workshop is being offered in Tainui and Te Tai Tokerau for the first time.
Hamilton 11 November 2006 and Whangarei 1 December 2006
More information please go to www.whaiangataumata.co.nz.
If you have any questions or comments in regards to this Panui, please contact Maia @ maia@foma.co.nz
