Formalising the Tūhonotanga agreement
In February 2023, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata
formalised its partnership with the NICF through
the ‘Tūhonotanga agreement’. This was a
significant milestone for our work to build and
sustain partnerships with Tangata Whenua. The
agreement sets out several shared goals:
• Better recognition of Te Tiriti, and the
indigenous and human rights of tāngata
whenua
• Opportunities to co-create initiatives
promoting Te Tiriti and human rights
• Improved access to Te Kāhui Tika Tangata for
whānau, hapū, iwi and Māori
• Continued work by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata with
NICF to establish a shared work programme
to deliver on these shared goals.
Appointing a Rongomau Taketake
In March 2023, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata appointed
Professor Claire Charters as Rongomau
Taketake to lead work on Indigenous Peoples’
rights. Establishing a Tangata Whenua voice at
the governance level was a significant milestone
and an important step towards transforming
our organisation’s decision-making structures to
align with our Tiriti-based journey.
The Rongomau Taketake was selected
by NICF and appointed by Te Kāhui Tika
Tangata, reflecting our partnership under
the Tūhonotanga agreement. As well as a
focus on building relationships, promoting
understanding and implementation of UNDRIP,
the Rongomau Taketake will also provide advice
to the Commission on ensuring ongoing Tangata
Whenua representation at governance level.
Applying a Shared Leadership Model
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights
Commission has taken a significant step towards
a more inclusive and equitable future. Its new
shared leadership structure created the role of
Tatau-Urutahi Tino Rangatiratanga Leader to
work in equal partnership with the Tatau-Uruora
Leader, Meg de Ronde, the Commission’s
Chief Executive, who joined the Commission
in April 2023. An appointment of the TatauUrutahi is expected to be announced soon
and will signify an acknowledgement of tino
rangatiratanga as a form of authority alongside
kāwanatanga, aligning with the provisions of
te Tiriti o Waitangi. Both leaders will share
accountability for the organisation’s strategy,
culture, and outcomes. The shared leadership
model aligns with Aotearoa New Zealand’s
obligations under relevant legislation, and is
in line with the Commission’s broader journey
towards becoming a Tiriti-based organisation,
embedding all articles of Te Tiriti within its dayto-day operations. This innovative approach
reflects the commitment of the Commission to
achieving equality for Indigenous peoples, and
both Tatau-Urutahi and Tatau-Uruora leaders
will work collaboratively with tino rangatiratanga
and kāwanatanga alignment and partnership,
following the Matike Mai spheres of authority
framework. The Commission aims to lead by
example in promoting shared leadership and
accountability in the public sector, and the
forthcoming appointment of the Tatau-Urutahi
is a crucial milestone in this journey.
TBO Internal Roadshow
In May 2023, Ahi Kaa ran a TBO Roadshow
for all teams across Te Kāhui Tika Tangata.
This aimed to support staff to strengthen
their ability to apply Te Tiriti in their work and
better understand each team’s unique role
in progressing our Tiriti journey. Staff were
supported to use tools to engage in Te Tiriti
analysis and application. They also began
making plans to ensure each team’s work was
contributing to and aligned with our wider Tiriti
journey.
The TBO Roadshow was a step towards
strengthening staff capability to deliver on
our Tiriti journey and ensuring the entire
organisation was involved in the transformation.
The Roadshow was also an opportunity to set up
the ‘Te Tiriti o Waitangi Champions’ community
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